Behold Bataan

Seal of the week: Bataan

Special FeatureNational Flag in Seal

In celebration of National Flag Day this May 28, we highlight the official seal of the Province of Bataan for this week’s feature.

Prominent elements of this distinctive seal include a hoisted Philippine flag with a backdrop of white crosses, a flaming sword in the center, the three stars, soldiers, and a broken chain that echoes freedom. The design and choice of elements in the seal memorializes Bataan’s historic role mainly during the Second World War.

The flaming sword in the center of the seal symbolizes the bravery of our soldiers and guerrilla fighters during World War 2. The Red and the Blue Panel that serves as the background, reflects the battles fought in the soils of Bataan and the peace that followed in the night.

The province was founded in 1754 by Governor General Pedro Manuel Arandia. It was initially formed with the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana Hermosa, San Juan Dinalupihan, Mariveles, Bagac, Morong, and Maragondon. Since then, Bataan served as the setting for valor showcased by the Filipinos throughout our history. It joined other provinces during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896. And during the Second World War, the Bataan Peninsula became the stronghold of the retreating Filipino and American forces. On April 9, 1942, around 80,000 Filipino soldiers ultimately surrendered in this province, marking the beginning of the infamous Bataan Death March.

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