Welcome to Subic, Olongapo, Philippines

BRIEF HISTORY

The story of Olongapo is derived from a colorful legend about a well loved chieftain called Apo, whose headless body is one day found at the beach of the fishing village. A long and andent search ends when his missing head is found impaled atop a bamboo pole. The announcement of the discovery becomes a rallying cry for unity for the demoralized tribe. So "Ulo ng Apo" or head of the Chieftain became the name of the fishing village on the shores of lovely Subic Bay.

Well endowed with natural beauty, legend and lore paint Olongapo as a romantic spot in Western Luzon. A fishing village inhabited by peace-loving, Tagalog speaking people, Olongapo became host to a Spanish navy arsenal and shipyard in the late 19th century. The Spaniards were attracted to the place by the deep waters of the natural harbor and the protection from fierce storms offered by the surrounding mountains, the same factors that attracted the Americans several years later.

As can be expected in any military setting, the imperatives of war shaped the form of the community. The naval station became a naval base which was later complemented by a naval air station. In between, the Japanese used what facilities they found to produce patrol boats of the sampan type. The second world war saw increased military activity at the Subic Naval Base which resulted in a marked demand for civilian support services.

Corollary to the growth of the US Military establishment in Subic Bay, the host community of Olongapo grew from a simple provincial village into a bustling town. On December 7, 1959 it gained municipality status after the US Government reliquished its naval reservation to the Philippine Government. In 1966, Municipal Mayor James L. Gordon agitated for city status and got it on June 1 of the year.The chartered city become the first highly urbanized city in Central Luzon on December 7, 1983 and gained independence from the mother province Zambales.

OLONGAPO CITY LOCATION

Situated at the Southern entry point of Zambales and the Northwestern interior of the Subic Bay area, Olongapo City approximately 127 kilometers North of Manila. It's total land area of 18,500 hectares is distributed among 17 barangays (Asinan, East Bajac-Bajac, Banicain, Baretto, New Cabalan, Old Cabalan, Gordon Heights, East Tapinac, West Tapinac, Kababae, Kalalake, Ilalim, Kalaklan, Mabayuan, Pag-asa and Sta. Rita) former US reservation and the Negrito Resettlement areas. Other than the city proper, which is located on a 6.48 sq. kms. Tidal flatland, Olongapo City is characterized by rugged and mountainous terrain.

Because of its peculiar geographic location - the Zambales mountains on its three sides, Bataan and Subic Bay at its base - development of city land is limited. Also, the territorial borders from nearby towns are not properly marked. This isn't considered to be a disadvantage, however, since this same position has situated Olongapo City strategically within easy access from our neighbors in the Asia - Pacific, resulting in a growing commercial relationship between the Philippines and the said countries.

The population of Olongapo City is more than 310,000 and is projected to increase to 453,894 by the year 2000. This rapid growth is attributed to the heavy influx of migrants from neighboring towns and other parts of the country, attracted by the booming industry and employment opportunites offered by Olongapo City, through the Subic Bay Freeport.

There are no main dialects in Olongapo City. The people generally speak and understand Filipino and English.

Literacy rate is 99.11 percent.

Climate - cool and dry from November to February. Warm and dry from March to May. Wet from June to October. Temperature ranges from 25.6 degrees celsius during the coldest month. If January to 28.3 degrees celsius during the warmest month of May.

To make it accessible to the general public, Olongapo City can now be reached by air with easy access through.

By Sea

Olongapo City is accessible through the international seaport of the Subic Bay Freeport. At present, it is being utilized as a general cargo port by the Investors of the Subic Bay Freeport but is envisioned to be developed into a fully-operational international port.

By Land

Olongapo City is a two hour drive from Manila via the North Expressway, passing through Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan. Turning right at the San Fernando exit, you can head straight to Olongapo via the Olongapo Gapan Road, which will lead you to Dinalupihan, Bataan and eventually, Olongapo City. From Zambales to Pangasinan, Olongapo City can be reached through the National Road, going Southward.

There are buses that ply the Olongapo - Manila route - Victory Liner with terminals at Pasay City, Monumento and Cubao. And Saulog Transit located at Dr. Lopez Jaena St., Cavite City.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Nature has blessed Olongapo City with beautiful scenario. Subic Bay's calm waters can be viewed by everyone in just one easy ride from Olongapo proper going to the North. In viewing Subic Bay, one also sees its natural harbor protected by mountains on three sides and its recreational area for tourists and visitors. One may explore other interesting places in Olongapo City such as:

GORDON MEMORIAL PARK

This is where the late Mayor James L. Gordon, dubbed as the "Father of Olongapo City" was interred. From its landscape location at the edge of the Kalaklan bridge (near the public cemetery), the beautiful and breathtaking Subic Bay can be viewed.

SUBIC BAY LIGHTHOUSE

A panoramic view perfect for picture taking, this old lighthouse is found along the National Highway going to the North. It overlooks the Subic Bay Area.

GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF PARDON

Located near the side of Kalaklan Bridge in Barangay Mabayuan, Catholic devoteed, pray and pay homage to the Lord of Pardon at this Sacred Place.

MARIKIT PARK

Designed for the enjoyment of children and the young at heart, this park located at the center of the city features a scenic playground and a scattering of benches for relaxation.

FRIENDSHIP PARK

Adjacent to the main gate of the Subic Bay Freeport, this long, narrow park stretches along the Perimeter Road. A mini-children's park lies at the Northern side. The Olongapo Bremerton Sisterhood Marker, symbolizing the sister city relationship between Olongapo City and Bremerton City can also be found here.

WORLD PEACE MEMORIAL

The dove that greets visitors at the entry point to Olongapo City stands as a sign of peace, in memory of those who died during the battle of Zigzag Pass, one of the longest and most hazardous battles during World War II.

MAGSAYSAY DRIVE AND RIZAL AVENUE

Chains of bars, nightclub, restaurants, hotel and sauna baths can be found here. Definitely the business center of Olongapo City.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY

This sports activity is usually participated in by every Barangay. It aims to promote friendship between the neighboring Barangays.

Same as Sports Activities in Subic Bay Freeport Zone

FESTIVALS

First Quarter (January to March)

New Year's Celebration
Chinese New Year (Chinese Community)
Valentines Day Celebration
Holy Week
Graduation Day (Schools)

Second Quarter (April to June)

Holy Week Activities (Sinakulo, Pabasa)
Santa Cruzan
Barangay Fiesta
Independence Day

Third Quarter (July to September)

Fil-Am Friendship Day
Intramurals (School)

Fourth Quarter (October to December)

October Fest (Mardi Grass)
All Souls Day
Christmas Celebration
Olongapo City Town Fiesta

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Olongapo City offers more than enough rooms ranging from furnished housings and luxurious condominiums to modest hotel accommodations. Amenities include air-conditioned rooms, hot or cold water and restaurants. While most resorts are located at Bo. Barretto, going North to Zambales. Most hotels and resorts accommodate walk-in customer. During peak season, however, reservations are highly recommended in major tourist establishments, most of which have booking offices in Manila.

A rationalized transport scheme started in 1983 is being implemented to maintain orderly traffic flow within the City. Color coded jeepney's and tricycles, each representeing a specific route strictly follow traffic rules and regulation. Following are the color schemes and their respective routes.

Public Utility Jeepneys

Sta. Rita/Pepsi to Main Gate - Yellow Jeepney
Gordon Heights to Main Gate - Red Jeepney
Gordon Heights to Pag-asa - Orange Jeepney
Gordon Heights to Balic-Balic - Beige Jeepney
Cabalan/New Cabalan to Public Market - Brown Jeepney
Mabayuan to Public Market - Green Jeepney
Subic to Olongapo City - Blue Jeepney

Color - coded Jeepneys and Tricycles are affordable modes of transportation throughout Olongapo City and Subic.

AVL-Country-Sight-Travel, Inc
Contact : VIOLY, RITA
Tel. (632) 372-4865, 371-1492, 371-1493