SUBIC BAY HISTORY

Subic Bay’s unique past, as is her present, was anchored on her impressive geography. This one-of-a kind bay is so generously endowed with naturally deep waters and is surrounded by mountain ranges, which make it a strategic sheltered harbor – attributes that proved to be irresistible to naval powers who know how advantageous Subic Bay could be to their desired military posturing, and indeed they made significant impact on the wars and conflicts that ravaged the region through hundreds of year.

The Aetas were Subic Bay’s earliest settlers. They were believed to have arrived from the northern part of the Philippines and were the first inhabitants of the Subic Bay area long before the first of the Spanish colonizers arrived.

Legends and folk tales abound in most towns in the Philippines and Olongapo is no different. There are a number of stories of how the city got its name.

Earlier historians say the name “Subic” has evolved over time, influenced by the different populations that have settled in the area.

Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo is credited with the discovery of Subic Bay. In 1542, this grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi-- the Spanish explorer who established Spain’s control and dominion over the Philippines --recognized Subic Bay’s tremendous potential as a fine shelter for shipping during a visit to the province of Zambales to establish the Spanish crown.