MASINLOC - a place known for its marine sanctuaries, sweet succulent "carabao" mangoes, rich culture and a variety of tourist attractions ranging from ridge to reef. First is that it came from the repeated mispronunciation of the Bolinao-Zambale phrase โBabali nin masin ilogโ which translates to โit is the town where there is a riverโ. Second is that it came from โjinlocโ plant that grows abundant
ly in the town. The municipality was founded during the Spanish colonial period. Earliest records of the settlement are associated with Juan de Salcedo, when he freed the locals from Chinese captivity. Out of gratitude the locals accepted Christianity and Spanish sovereignty. The clash is commemorated in a war dance called โBinabayaniโ which now forms an important part of the Religious town fiesta of Masinloc. The town was formally organized in 1607 after the Agustinians established the first church and first convent in Zambales. The town held significant roles in various chapters of our national history. Due to its strategic location and geographic features it became the first capital of Zambales, and template for development for other towns. Cruz then Iba. In the Spanish, and Japanese eras the town proper and surrounding flatlands became a place for consolidation of all civilians. At present, Masinloc is a host to a sprawling and Galing Pook awardee 117-hectare marine protected area, Philippine Economic Zone Authority PEZA identified economic zones, plantations of the best tasting mangoes in the Philippines, the contested Bajo de Masinloc, and a Coal-fired Power Plant.
