Zambales, Province in Central Luzon, Philippines
Zambales is a province in Central Luzon, Philippines, with 175 kilometers of coastline along the South China Sea. Mountains rise in the east while coastal plains occupy the western areas.
Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo founded this administrative region in 1572, incorporating several towns. Masinloc served as the first provincial capital.
The name comes from the Malay word "Samba", relating to the indigenous practice of venerating ancestral spirits known as Anitos. This spiritual tradition remains part of local identity today.
The province has a dry season from October to June and a wet season from July to September. Agricultural production continues throughout the year.
The former U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay closed in 1992 and returned to Philippine control. Several municipalities now specialize in nickel mining and mango cultivation.
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