Mt. Samat FTEZ - Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone

𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦’ 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗔 𝟭𝟮𝟯𝟮𝟬

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) welcomes the enactment of 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭𝟮𝟯𝟮𝟬, otherwise known as the “𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀’ 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁,” which officially declares the month of 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 as Philippine Veterans’ Month. Signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on 26 May 2026, the measure institutionalizes a month-long national observance dedicated to honoring the heroism, sacrifices, and enduring contributions of Filipino veterans in safeguarding the nation’s freedom, sovereignty, and democratic ideals.

The new law affirms the State’s commitment to recognize and commemorate Filipino veterans and ensure that their legacy is preserved for future generations. It provides a platform for educating the public, particularly the youth, on the vital role veterans played in the country’s history while promoting greater awareness of their welfare, benefits, and continuing contributions to nation-building.

Under Republic Act No. 12320, national government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, and other stakeholders are encouraged to undertake coordinated commemorative and service-oriented activities throughout April. These include media and digital content production, educational initiatives, volunteer and youth engagement programs, improved delivery of veterans’ benefits and services, recognition and awards programs, and health and wellness activities for veterans and their families.

The law designates the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), in coordination with the Department of National Defense and other partner agencies, as one of the lead institutions responsible for implementing and promoting programs in support of Philippine Veterans’ Month. Through these efforts, the government aims to strengthen public appreciation of veterans’ sacrifices and foster patriotism, civic consciousness, and historical awareness among Filipinos.

PVAO calls on all sectors of society to actively participate in the observance of Philippine Veterans’ Month and join the nation in paying tribute to the veterans who served with courage and dedication. Through this landmark legislation, the memory of their sacrifices and the values they defended will continue to inspire present and future generations of Filipinos.

Rounding out our esteemed Jury Committee are from our government and tourism stakeholders.

These judges ensure that the winning mural serves as a beacon for the Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone—driving national pride and inviting the world to experience the bravery of the Filipino spirit.

With our full panel now introduced, the search for the next iconic landmark at the Shrine of Valor officially moves forward!

The Mt. Samat Bas Relief isn't just art—it’s an architectural landmark. For our second group of judges, we’ve gathered top conservators and design experts.

These visionaries are looking for technical excellence, structural innovation, and a design that harmonizes perfectly with the natural landscape of the Mt. Samat FTEZ.

One more group to go! Can you guess who else is joining the panel?

A massive thank you to all the incredibly talented artists and designers who stepped up to our call. We are officially wrapping up the registration phase for the Mt. Samat Bas Relief Mural Design Competition!

​Our team is absolutely thrilled by the level of interest of diverse artists who joined in the Competition.

​Now, the real excitement begins as the registered artists proceed with the Stage I: Design Development.

Best of luck, artists!

Meet the Jury!

We are honored to introduce the distinguished panel of experts tasked with selecting the next masterpiece for the Shrine of Valor!

Our Jury Committee is composed of esteemed leaders, historians and conservators, representing National Arts & Heritage Commissions, Architectural & Design Experts and Government and Tourism Stakeholders.

Their mission? To ensure every stroke of the proposed Bas Relief Mural aligns with the historical significance of the Shrine of Valor. Stay tuned as we introduce more of the panel on the following weeks!

Calling All Filipino Artists and Designers!

Successfully registered for the Mt. Samat FTEZ Bas Relief Mural Design Competition? Now it’s time to bring your vision to life.

For Stage 1 Concept Design Development, please ensure your entries include the following requirements below!

𝘼 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚: 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙩. 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙈𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

We are officially inviting artists and designers to participate in the Mt. Samat Bas Relief Mural Design Competition. This is your chance to etch your vision into history and honor the legacy of heroism within a historical landmark.

The design shall fit the existing spaces within the Mt. Samat Entrance Gate, technical specifications and detailed competition mechanics shall be provided upon registration.

​The winning designer will be awarded a grand prize of
​₱250,000, subject to the approval of the Management Committee.

𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐙𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐭. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐄𝐙 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐨𝐧 𝟖𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧

In solemn commemoration of the 84th Araw ng Kagitingan, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), through the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone, led the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the highly anticipated Visitors Complex at the Mt. Samat National Shrine.

The milestone project marks a transformative step in the continued development of the Mt. Samat National Shrine as a premier cultural and heritage tourism destination. Envisioned as a flagship infrastructure initiative, the Visitors Complex aims to elevate the overall visitor experience, stimulate complementary investments, and usher in a new phase of integrated tourism growth.

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid emphasized the scope and timeline of the project, stating, “Ang itatayong visitors complex ay binubuo ng tatlong infrastructure facilities—Tourist Assistance Center, Visitors Center, at Multipurpose Administration Building.” He added, “Inaasahan natin na matatapos ang construction ng mga ito sa Hunyo sa susunod na taon, at posible po na ang inagurasyon at pagbubukas nito ay makaalinsabay naman ng pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan.”

The Tourist Assistance Center will serve as a dedicated gateway facility, equipped with orientation rooms, souvenir shops, a cafeteria, function spaces, and a commercial hub to provide a seamless and welcoming experience for both local and international tourists. Meanwhile, the Visitors Center will offer an immersive educational environment featuring curated exhibits and interactive displays that provide deeper historical context, complemented by hotel-type accommodations to enhance visitor comfort. The Multipurpose and Administration Building will support operational needs and host meetings, events, and various activities.

With a project cost of nearly ₱170 million, TIEZA continues to fulfill its mandate as the infrastructure, investment, and asset management arm of the Department of Tourism, championing developments that safeguard national identity while promoting economic growth.

Beyond infrastructure, the project stands as a symbol of the government’s enduring commitment to honoring Filipino heroism while advancing sustainable and inclusive tourism development. It seeks to transform the Mt. Samat National Shrine into an immersive historical destination, one that preserves its national significance while offering enriched and meaningful visitor engagement.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the steward of the Mt. Samat National Shrine, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing the development initiative. Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu highlighted the importance of balancing preservation and progress, stating, “What is important here is balance. We preserve the dignity of this site, while opening it to deeper engagement. We protect memory, while allowing it to live.”

He further emphasized the project’s deeper significance: “We are not simply building structures. We are building continuity. To our veterans and their families, this is for you. Your story will not fade. It will be strengthened, preserved, and shared.”

In a message of support, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III underscored the project’s local impact, noting, “This project opens opportunities for local businesses. It creates jobs. It strengthens tourism. And it allows us to welcome more visitors in a way that is organized, meaningful, and sustainable.” He added, “We are not just preserving the past. We are making it relevant to the present—and more importantly, beneficial to our communities.”

Anchored on its mandate under Republic Act No. 9593, the TIEZA continues to lead the development, management, and supervision of TEZs across the country, focusing on infrastructure development, investment facilitation, and sustainable tourism growth. Through its integrated approach to destination planning and infrastructure provisioning, TIEZA ensures that strategic tourism sites such as the Mt. Samat Flagship TEZ are equipped with world-class facilities that enhance visitor experience, stimulate local economic activity, and preserve the nation’s cultural and historical heritage for future generations.

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The Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone was designated under the Republic Act of 9595 or Tourism Act of 2009 through the inter-agency partnership of TIEZA, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan, and Municipality of Pilar.

📸Mr. Ed Roque and Mt. Samat FTEZ