Olongapo, City district in Central Luzon, Philippines
Olongapo is a city in Zambales within the Central Luzon region of the main island of Luzon, stretching along the shore of Subic Bay. It is divided into several districts that reach from the waterfront inland, forming a mix of residential, commercial, and port areas.
The Spanish colonial navy established a naval station here in 1884 and built an arsenal that remained active until the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines. After the Spanish-American War, the United States took over the facilities and expanded them into one of the largest fleet bases in the western Pacific.
The name Olongapo comes from a Sambal word for a plant that once grew along the coast, though different versions of the story exist. Many residents speak Tagalog in daily life, while older generations also use Ilocano or Sambal depending on their family background.
Most of the city lies close to the coast and is easy to reach on foot or by public transport. Visitors planning to explore the surrounding hills or harbor areas should allow extra time, as distances can be greater than they appear on maps.
After the American navy withdrew in the 1990s, the former military grounds were converted into a freeport zone. This change brought new industries, an airport, and leisure facilities to the region, reshaping the character of the city.
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