We visited this monument last month. It was declared a natural landmark on the 23rd of April 2000, through a Presidential Proclamation. The place is an important piece of history that we learned only on that day when we read what was written on the The Battle of Bessang Pass Marker, re:
Began with the assault on the Japanese line at Bitalag, Tagudin, Ilocos Sure by the United States Army Forces in the Philippines, North Luzon (USAFIP, NL), 8 January 1945. Followed by the seizure of enemy strongholds along Highway 4 and the defeat of the Japanese Defenders of the Pass, 14 June 1945. The battle spearheaded by the 121st Infantry, USAFIP, NL was conceded by American military authorities as one of the most terrible and incredibly difficult battles of the entire war. Hastened the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces under General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
Along with the historical marker are the lists of the Philippine Army, US Air Force, and Marine Corps who have been acknowledged. I believe they were among those who fought. It was indicated that there were 3,400 men killed and wounded during the battle.
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The monuments are inside a fenced compound along the highway so it is easily accessible to anyone, even by the motorists who are just passing by. There is an entrance fee of Php 10.00 ($0.10) which I think is for the maintenance of the place and its toilets.
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The entrance fee also includes access to the viewpoint which is located above the compound. I previously shared the way to it in my previous publication, Stairway to Heaven.
Accordingly, the place is considered a natural park and the area is 1,121 hectares which I think covers the entire mountain.
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They have shaded sitting areas where visitors can relax and may even have picnics. And I love the fact that they allow pets too :)
The space where the monuments are seems to be small (I'm not good at calculating areas) but it is enough to not make people bump into each other's elbows.
This was taken while we were climbing the stairway leading to the viewpoint.
[Shared this shot on the Stairway to Heaven post]
The grass is a lot greener up there and our little guy enjoyed his time running around. He even playfully chased one of the guys who was taking pictures of his friends. The man teased us our puppy likes him, lol!
After resting and cooling ourselves under the trees, we walked up a short staircase to the porch of what we think are offices and feasted upon the views. The mountain peaks from afar look spectacular from there.
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We left the place after some time and headed farther, down to the beach for a stroll. Here's to share one more shot of the blooming plants by the sides of the stairway.
We certainly had a good time there, learning a part of history, basking under the gorgeous sky, and enjoying nature.
All photos are my own. 09012024/19:03ph