Every year, as the nation commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan, the Dambana ng Kagitingan has been the site of the celebration.

This shrine atop Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan, was erected in 1970 to symbolize the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Likewise, it underscores the Filipinos’ commitment to defend their independence and preserve their dignity.

The Filipinos’ gallantry to stand up against oppressors is the reason we are celebrating Araw ng Kagitingan, a special day culled from three memorable events in the country’s history – the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1946, the Fall of Corregidor on May 6,  1946, and the Battle of Bessang Pass on June 14, 1946.

By virtue of Letter of Instruction No. 1087 issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos on November 26, 1980, it was decided that the three important historical events be celebrated into one memorable day, April 9.

According to Travel Global Pinoy, the Dambana ng Kagitingan consists of the Colonnade and the huge Memorial Cross.

The Colonnade is a marble-capped structure with an altar, esplanade, and a museum. The structure includes a stained glass mural, 19 scriptural marble parapet, 18 bronze insignias of USAFFE Division Units, two bronze urns (symbolic of the eternal flame), 18 flagpoles with colors of USAFFE Division/Units and inscriptions of the “Battle of Bataan”.

The Memorial Cross is a colossal structure of 555 meters of steel and reinforced concrete with an elevator and viewing gallery, which are the arms of the cross. It has a height of 92 meters from the base. The arms are 74 meters from the base. The length of the arm is 15 meters on each side. The viewing gallery is 18 by 90 foot with a 7-foot clearance. The exterior finish of the Cross at the base up to 11-meter level is capped with “Nabiag Nga Bato” sculptural slabs and sculptural bas reliefs depicting significant battles and historical events. Above the base, the Cross is of “chipped granolithic marble.” From the Colonnade to the Cross is a 14-flight zigzagging footpath on the mountain slope, paved with bloodstones from Corregidor.

From just a symbol the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers, the Dambana ng Kagitingan has evolved into a tourist spot, drawing both local and foreign visitors.

Unfortunately, however, poor maintenance is depriving tourists from fully enjoying the historical shrine.

Its elevator is currently non-operational, preventing visitors seeing the interior of the cross.

Rodolfo Palibre, the shrine’s collecting officer, bared that lack of funds prevents management from doing needed repair works.

With the current situation, Palibre called on authorities to prioritize appropriation of funds for the development and rehabilitation of the historic facility.

During Manila Bulletin’s visit, I chanced upon local tourists – Javer Valde Roman, 37, a seaman, and Dr. Ryan Roa, 33 – who expressed disappointment over the sorry state of the historic site.