Balete Pass is this zigzag road which connects the province of Nueva Ecija to Nuvea Vizcaya. It was also a site of bloody conflict during the Japanese War in the Philippines.
Locate where the Caraballo Sur mountain range meets the Sierra Madre mountain range it gives you a picturesque view of both mountain ranges. It rises 3,000 feet (910 metres) above sea level.
Balete Pass's important location (being the only access between Pampanga and Cagayan Valley) became the scene of the final stages of the war. The Japanese Army, lead by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, fought against the Philippine and American from February to March 1945. The blood of about 17,000 soldiers, Filipino, Japanese and American mixed on the ground of the mountain pass.
Markers to commemorate the sacrifices of the soldiers rest on the highest point and a shrine of peace ensures that the conflict is never forgotten and never repeated again.
Known also as Dalton Pass, from General James L. Dalton, an American who was deployed in the Philippines (during the Battle of Luzon). Dalton was promoted to Brigadier General (161st unit) and assistant commanding general (25th Infantry Division).
He met his end when a Japanese sniper shot him in the Battle of Balete Pass on May 16 1945. To honour him Balate Pass was "renamed" in his honour after the battle. Though personally I rather call it Balete Pass; no offense to General Dalton.
At the shrine, there is a marker/a cross with Japanese Kanji (Chinese characters) and also the words: Peace Forver. A way to make sure that the blood shed and the fighting are not erased from history, but remembered and known to visitors; and are made aware that we must continue the journey and do the hard work to achieve peace and harmony.
There are another 3 small stone markers which are part of the shrine that have a poem stessing the need for peace in this world. One stone having the poem in each of the fallen soldiers native tongue (English, Filipino and Japanese). In a way I think the poem helps their spirits find peace in the after life and help those souls who haven't, continue to find the peace they need.
Balate Pass is right at the boarder between Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. When you leave Nueva Ecija and are about to enter Nuvea Vizcaya, you'll see it to your right. You really can't miss
it.
There is an entrance fee of PHP 20.00 per visitor, which you have to pay upon entry to the site.
If you're commuting, any bus from Manila bound for Nueva Vizcaya or Tuguegarao City will get you there.
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