Bataan, a province located in the heart of Central Luzon, has long been known as the region’s historical hub. However, this vibrant destination offers much more than its rich historical legacy.
Boasting a highly diversified tourism industry, Bataan is a place where visitors can experience a wide range of activities, including eco-tourism, sports and adventure, culture and arts, and a thriving local product scene.
In 2020, the province welcomed an impressive 600,000 tourists, proving its growing popularity as a destination. While the majority of these visitors are Filipinos, the province has also seen a steady influx of foreign travelers, drawn to its unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.
One of the standout features of Bataan’s tourism landscape is its thriving local industries. In a recent trip to Bataan as part of NLEX Lakbay Norte, we got to know more about these industries. Many of the products of these ventures serve as beautiful pasalubong or souvenirs from Bataan. Here are some of them:
- Capiz Making: Crafting elegance from shells
In the quaint town of Samal, an organization called Bataan Capiz Shells transforms humble capiz shells into intricate works of art. Known for their work on smaller decorative items, this business employs about 12 skilled artisans. Beyond traditional window panes, they create a wide range of products, including decorative ornaments, Christmas decor, napkin holders, and artificial light holders.
One standout product is their lotus design. Each piece, meticulously crafted through a process of cutting, cleaning, polishing, and varnishing, takes about an hour to complete and sells for P250. This blend of artistry and craftsmanship highlights the dexterity and dedication of Bataan’s capiz makers.
- Walis Lasa: A sweeping tradition lives on
In Brgy. Mabatang, the tradition of walis lasa making thrives within the community. It’s a decades-old tradition that has become a source of livelihood for many in the region. These handwoven brooms, crafted from the leaves of the lasa plant, showcase the ingenuity and cultural heritage of the people of Bataan.
We visited Dominguez Walis, a notable business, that has been in the industry for years, making thousands of brooms every year, and passing down the craft through generations.
The community celebrates this craft through the Palis Lasa Festival—“palis” meaning “walis” in Kapampangan. This festival not only showcases the skill involved in broom-making but also highlights the cultural heritage of the area, where many residents are fluent in Kapampangan. Through events like this, the tradition of walis lasa making continues to flourish, providing both economic opportunities and a sense of cultural pride.
- PULO: Women-powered weaving
From material sorting to deliveries, every aspect of PULO’s operations is managed by women. Starting with three interns, PULO now employs a team of nine in-house master craftswomen, four remote employees, and two part-time working students.
In Brgy. Banawang, Bagac, Bataan, most jobs are in fishing, farming, and hog raising. Here, men typically earn 36% more than women, as higher-paying roles like carpentry, masonry, and electrical fitting are often male-dominated. PULO aims to level the playing field by training women in weaving, enabling them to produce high-quality products and earn competitive wages.
The industry has given rise to a diverse range of products, from intricate bags and baskets to stylish home decor. Woven from the sturdy rattan plant, these items showcase the deft hands of its artisans.
- Tinapa: A legacy of quality
Beyond these traditional crafts, Bataan also boasts a thriving industry in the production of tinapa, or smoked fish. The province’s coastal communities have long been renowned for their expertise in this culinary art. Bataan is renowned for its unique smoking techniques that enhance tinapa’s flavor, making it less salty yet still beloved by Filipinos.
At Amanda’s Marine Products, visitors can immerse themselves in the process, learning the techniques and savoring the fruits of this local delicacy. Founded by Amanda Battad, it’s now a thriving food processing business in Bataan, known for its dried fish (tuyo), smoked fish (tinapa), sautéed shrimp paste (ginisang bagoong alamang), and bottled products like bangus in corn oil and smoked fish flakes. Amanda’s journey began in 1984, selling fish at the local market. Her persistence and willingness to learn have driven her business’s continued growth and success.
The growth of these local industries has had a profound impact on the livelihoods of Bataan’s residents, providing employment and economic opportunities.
Looking ahead, Bataan’s tourism authorities are committed to further diversifying the province’s offerings. By leveraging its rich heritage and natural assets, Bataan is poised to cement its position as a must-visit destination in the region, offering travelers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.