About Olongapo

Olongapo, chartered city in the Philippines, in Zambales Province, on central Luzon Island, about 95 km (about 60 mi) west of Manila. Olongapo is located on the northeast coast of Subic Bay, one of the nation's finest harbors. Olongapo is the site of the former Subic Bay Naval Station, which the United States military leased from the Philippines until 1992. In 1991 the Philippine government rejected a treaty that would have allowed the lease to be extended. As a result, the base closed the following year and about 40,000 jobs were lost. The government then converted the base to a special economic zone, offering low taxes to investors. This encouraged businesses to establish operations in the zone, which helped offset some of the loss of income and jobs. Excellent beaches and resorts are located along the coast near Olongapo. The city was chartered in 1966. Population (1999 estimate) 183,589.