Castillejos
Castillejos, officially the Municipality of Castillejos, is a landlocked municipality in the province of Zambales in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.[1] It covers an area of 92.99 square kilometers and is divided into 14 barangays, with a population of 70,105 according to the 2024 census, resulting in a density of 754 inhabitants per square kilometer.[2][3] The municipality is situated at coordinates 14°56′N 120°12′E, with an average elevation of 50.7 meters, and serves as a gateway for tourists exploring Zambales due to its proximity to coastal areas like Subic Bay.[2][1] Founded in 1743 as a pueblo by Tagalog families from Bataan, Castillejos was initially named Uguic (later spelled Uguit) and gained ecclesiastical independence on January 23, 1863, when it received its own parish priest, prompting its renaming to Castillejos after the Spanish Battle of Castillejos fought in Morocco in 1860.[4] The area experienced boundary disputes with neighboring Subic, resolved in 1897–1898, and briefly lost political independence between 1904 and 1910 when it was consolidated with adjacent towns before regaining autonomy.[4] Castillejos is particularly renowned as the childhood home of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh President of the Philippines (serving 1953–1957), whose ancestral house in Barangay Santa Maria now operates as the Museo ni Ramon Magsaysay, preserving artifacts from his life and legacy.[1][5] The local economy is predominantly agricultural, with approximately 3,894 hectares (about 42% of the total land area of 9,299 hectares) dedicated to farming, primarily rice and other crops, supported by initiatives like farm machinery distribution and greenhouse projects to boost productivity.[6][7] Tourism is an emerging sector, driven by the Magsaysay museum, nearby resorts, and eco-tourism opportunities, aligning with the municipality's vision of a progressive agro-industrial hub with resilient communities and efficient public services.[1][6] The annual regular revenue in 2016 stood at ₱145,730,567.36, reflecting steady growth from a historical population of just 3,068 in 1903.[2]History
Establishment and Colonial Period
Castillejos was founded in 1743 by Tagalog settler families who migrated from Bataan province under Spanish colonial administration, seeking safer inland locations away from coastal pirate threats near [Subic Bay](/page/Subic Bay).[4] These early settlers established the community initially as a visita dependent on the nearby pueblo of Subic, integrating into the broader administrative structure of Zambales province, which had been organized by Spanish authorities in the 16th century to facilitate control over the region's resources and indigenous populations.[4] The settlement, originally known as Uguic or Uguit, reflected typical Spanish colonial patterns of pueblo formation, where migrants received land through informal grants and encomienda systems to encourage agricultural development and Christianization.[8] Missionary influences played a key role in the community's early consolidation, with Franciscan and later Augustinian Recollect priests promoting religious conversion among the settlers and local Aeta populations.[9] By 1802, the earliest surviving archival record documents Don Ignacio de San Agustin serving as the first recorded gobernadocillo, overseeing communal planting initiatives from 1799 to 1802 as part of Spanish efforts to bolster food security in the colony.[4] In 1842, additional settlement occurred when 14 Ilocano families were granted permission by Alcalde Don Prudencio Perez de Nenon to establish Barrio San Marcelino, further diversifying the population under Spanish land allocation policies.[4] Territorial adjustments during this period included the separation of San Narciso in 1846 and San Antonio in 1849 as independent pueblos, reducing Castillejos' original boundaries.[4] During the Philippine Revolution, Castillejos residents participated in local resistance efforts, including boundary affirmations with Subic amid revolutionary upheavals.[10] On January 24, 1863, the pueblo achieved ecclesiastical independence from Subic with the appointment of its own resident priest, Father Pablo Calvillo, who served until the end of Spanish rule in 1898; the renaming to Castillejos had occurred the previous day, on January 23, 1863, honoring the Spanish victory at the Battle of Castillejos in Morocco.[4] Boundary disputes with Subic were resolved in 1897, with final demarcation by 1898, solidifying its administrative identity within Zambales.[4] During the transition to American colonial rule, Castillejos was temporarily consolidated with neighboring areas but regained political independence as a formal municipality on January 1, 1910, aligning with U.S. efforts to reorganize local governance for efficiency.[4]Modern Developments and Events
Following World War II, Castillejos played a supportive role in Zambales' regional recovery and development through its strategic proximity to Subic Bay, where the reestablishment of the U.S. naval base in the late 1940s spurred economic activity across the province. The intact transportation infrastructure left by American forces, including roads and port facilities, facilitated trade and logistics, positioning Castillejos as a key link in the post-war supply chain for agricultural goods and materials from northern Zambales towns.[11] After Philippine independence in 1946, Castillejos experienced minimal administrative changes, retaining its municipal status established in 1910, but underwent significant economic shifts due to its location adjacent to Subic Bay. The U.S. naval base's operations until 1992 provided indirect employment and commerce opportunities for residents, with local markets benefiting from base-related spending on supplies and services. Following the base's closure, Republic Act No. 7227 in 1992 converted the area into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), transforming it into an economic special zone focused on manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. As a contiguous local government unit to the freeport, Castillejos receives a 2% share of the SBMA's 5% gross income tax allocation under Republic Act No. 9400, funding local infrastructure and services to support spillover economic growth.[12] This has driven a population increase tied to job opportunities in the zone, with the municipality's residents comprising part of the freeport's 164,400-strong workforce as of 2024.[13] Urbanization in Castillejos accelerated in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, fueled by the freeport's expansion and improved connectivity via highways linking the municipality to Olongapo City and the zone. This led to the growth of roadside commercial hubs, including the introduction of national retail chains and the development of the area's first community mall in the 2010s, reflecting broader regional trends in retail and service sector expansion.[14] Fast-food outlets from major Philippine brands also emerged during this period, catering to commuters and workers commuting to Subic Bay facilities.[15] On April 22, 2019, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck with its epicenter approximately 18 kilometers northeast of Castillejos at 15.02°N, 120.34°E, causing widespread shaking across Zambales and neighboring provinces.[16] In Castillejos, the quake damaged several public and private structures, including schools and homes, with reports of cracked walls, fallen debris, and temporary power outages affecting over 1,500 families in the municipality.[16] No fatalities or injuries were reported locally, though the event contributed to a regional total of 18 deaths and 245 injuries across affected areas.[17] Recovery efforts in Castillejos were swift, coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government, which provided emergency aid including food packs, sleeping mats, and financial assistance to 1,512 affected families by April 24, 2019.[16] The Philippine Red Cross deployed rescue teams, ambulances, and generators to support operations, while structural assessments led to the repair of damaged infrastructure, such as school buildings, with full restoration aided by national disaster funds within months.[18]Geography
Location and Terrain
Castillejos is situated in the province of Zambales, Central Luzon region, Philippines, at geographic coordinates approximately 14.93°N 120.2°E.[19] The municipality covers a total land area of 92.99 square kilometers.[20] It is bounded by San Antonio to the north, Subic to the south, and San Marcelino to the east, with the South China Sea influencing its western coastal proximity.[2] The terrain of Castillejos features coastal plains along its western edge near Subic Bay, transitioning to hilly interiors in the central and eastern portions.[20] These landscapes have been shaped by the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, located approximately 50 kilometers southeast, which deposited lahar materials that altered river courses and soil composition across Zambales.[21] Elevations in Castillejos range from sea level along the coastal plains to over 800 meters in the eastern mountainous areas, with an average elevation of about 63 meters.[22] The municipality's soils, conducive to agriculture, include Angeles fine sand (covering 60% of the area in the west, suitable for rice, vegetables, sugarcane, and root crops), Quingua silt loam (31% in the northeast, ideal for rice, vegetables, and fruit trees), and Antipolo clay (10% in the east, supporting rice and fruit trees), alongside rough mountain soils in the easternmost zones.[20]Administrative Divisions
Castillejos is a municipality within the province of Zambales, which falls under the Central Luzon region (Region III) of the Philippines.[6][2] As one of 13 municipalities in Zambales, it operates under the standard Philippine local government structure, with barangays serving as the basic political and administrative units.[6] The municipality is politically subdivided into 14 barangays, each comprising puroks and, in some cases, sitios. These are: Balaybay, Buenavista, Del Pilar, Looc, Magsaysay, Nagbayan, Nagbunga, San Agustin, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, San Pablo, San Roque, and Santa Maria.[6][2] Among these, San Jose serves as the town proper, formerly known as Poblacion, and functions as the central administrative hub of the municipality.[23] San Pablo is the largest barangay by land area, characterized by its mountainous terrain and extensive hardwood forests, while Looc is the farthest from the town center at approximately 7 kilometers and features notable landmarks such as Looc Lake and the Carmelites Church.[6] San Juan is situated in the poblacion area, contributing to the core urban zone.[6] No significant changes to barangay boundaries have been recorded in Castillejos since its reestablishment as an independent municipality in 1910.[4] The administrative divisions reflect the varied terrain, with several upland barangays adapted to hilly landscapes.[6]Climate and Environment
Castillejos features a tropical monsoon climate classified under the Köppen system as Am, characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.[19] Average high temperatures reach 31°C, while lows average 22°C throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variation due to the equatorial proximity.[24] Annual precipitation totals approximately 1,280 mm, predominantly occurring during the wet season from May to October, when southwest monsoons and typhoons bring heavy rains.[24] The dry season spans November to April, with significantly reduced rainfall, though occasional typhoons can influence patterns year-round.[6] Climate data for Castillejos relies heavily on modeled estimates from sources like the World Bank Climate Knowledge Portal, as the area lacks dedicated local weather stations for direct measurements.[25] These models highlight vulnerability to extreme weather, including intensified typhoon activity under climate change projections.[25] The region faces environmental challenges from seismic activity, exemplified by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake centered near Castillejos in April 2019, which triggered landslides and soil liquefaction that disrupted local ecosystems and vegetation cover. Proximity to Subic Bay enhances biodiversity, with adjacent protected forests supporting diverse flora and fauna, including over 700 plant species and key bird habitats in the Subic Bay Watershed Forest Reserve.[26]Government and Administration
Local Governance Structure
Castillejos operates as a first-class municipality as of March 2025, following its reclassification under Republic Act No. 11964 (Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act), which updates the framework for local governance in the Philippines by categorizing municipalities based on average annual regular income.[27] This places Castillejos in the first tier, with income of PHP 200 million or more, enhancing its fiscal autonomy and administrative capacities.[28] The municipal government is led by an elected mayor, currently Jeffrey D. Khonghun, who assumed office on July 1, 2022, and was re-elected in the May 12, 2025, local elections for a term ending June 30, 2028.[29] The vice mayor, Christian Niño Esposo, presides over the Sangguniang Bayan, the legislative body comprising eight elected members responsible for enacting ordinances and approving budgets.[29] The current Sangguniang Bayan members, elected in 2025, include Oda Roldan-Guevara, Romeo Calimlim II, Ramon Valdez, Voltaire Avera, John-John Felarca, Jorge Ablao, Chito Villanueva, and Dennis Mapalo.[29][30] At the barangay level, Castillejos is divided into 14 administrative units, each governed by an elected barangay captain and a seven-member council, along with a Sangguniang Kabataan for youth representation.[6] These barangays—Balaybay, Buenavista, Del Pilar, Looc, Magsaysay, Nagbayan, Nagbunga, San Agustin, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, San Roque, Sibuyan, and Capunitan—handle grassroots administration, including community services and dispute resolution.[31] Local elections in Castillejos follow the national cycle under the Local Government Code, occurring every three years on the second Monday of May in midterm election years, with officials serving three-year terms limited to three consecutive terms. The most recent elections were held on May 12, 2025, determining officials for 2025–2028.[29] The governance structure post-1910 reflects Castillejos's reestablishment as an independent municipality following its brief consolidation with neighboring areas under Philippine Commission Act No. 945 in 1907; independence was restored in 1910, marking the start of formalized local leadership.[4] Early leaders held the title of "president" until the shift to "mayor" in 1941, with officers-in-charge appointed during transitional periods like the post-martial law era.[4] A chronological overview of mayors since 1910 is as follows:| Mayor | Term |
|---|---|
| Edilberto de Perio | 1910–1912 |
| Juan L. del Fierro | 1913–1915 |
| Juan Gallardo | 1915–1921 |
| Juan Blanco | 1922–1940 |
| Felix Fallorina | 1941–1948 |
| Sixto Cacho | 1949–1953 |
| Tranquilino Velasco | 1954–1955 |
| Tomas Ablao | 1956–1965 |
| Dominador Bundang | 1966–1967 |
| Rodrigo Trimor | 1967–1986 |
| Manuel Felarca (OIC) | 1986–1987 |
| Flordeliza C. Trinidad (OIC) | 1988 |
| Enrique P. Magsaysay | 1989–1992; 2002–2004 |
| Teofilo G. Pantaleon | 1992–2000 |
| Wilma D. Billman | 2000–2001 (OIC); 2001–2002; 2004–2010 |
| Enrique C. Clarin (Acting) | 2006 |
| Jose Angelo M. Dominguez | 2010–2019 |
| Eleanor D. Dominguez | 2019–2022 |
| Jeffrey D. Khonghun | 2022–present |
Public Services and Officials
Jeffrey D. Khonghun has served as mayor of Castillejos since June 30, 2022, following his election in 2022 and re-election in May 2025.[32][33] His administration emphasizes a vision of a progressive municipality with resilient communities, sustainable infrastructure, and proactive leadership, alongside a mission to deliver gender-responsive and efficient public services.[1] Prior to Khonghun, Jose Angelo Dominguez held the mayoral position, focusing on local development before the 2022 transition.[34] Public services in Castillejos are managed through key municipal offices under the local government's oversight. The Municipal Health Office, located in Barangay San Agustin, offers outpatient consultations, issues medico-legal certificates and sanitary permits, and supports rural health unit operations to address community health needs.[35] The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) handles emergency responses, including patient transport, debris clearing, and training programs, while issuing hazard certificates to enhance preparedness following events like the 2019 magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck near the municipality.[36][37] Additionally, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office oversees community programs, such as family disaster preparedness for vulnerable groups and basic life support training, to foster social resilience.[38] Under Mayor Khonghun's leadership, notable initiatives include infrastructure improvements like the groundbreaking for a new municipal hall in 2024, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and public access. Poverty alleviation efforts are integrated into social welfare programs, with distributions of essential resources coordinated through the MSWDO to support low-income households.[1] Health-related community outreach, such as the 2025 Operation Tuli program, provides free medical services to promote preventive care.[39] The municipality interacts with the Zambales provincial government for regional service delivery, particularly in disaster response and coordinated training through bodies like the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, ensuring aligned efforts in emergency preparedness and resource sharing.[40] This collaboration supports local initiatives, such as post-earthquake resilience building, by leveraging provincial expertise and funding.[41]Demographics
Population Trends
The population of Castillejos has experienced steady growth over the past century, driven by natural increase and migration from nearby urban areas such as Olongapo. According to historical records, the population stood at 3,068 in 1903. By the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it had risen to 67,889, marking an average annual growth rate of approximately 2.7% from 1903 to 2020. The 2024 PSA census recorded a further increase to 70,105 as of July 1, 2024, reflecting an annual growth rate of about 0.81% from 2020 to 2024.[2] This growth has resulted in a population density of 753.9 inhabitants per square kilometer in 2024, influenced by the municipality's land area of approximately 93 square kilometers. Urbanization trends are evident, with a rising proportion of the population residing in more developed barangays near major thoroughfares, contributing to denser settlement patterns. The 2024 census highlights include a total of 70,105 residents across 14 barangays, underscoring the municipality's position as one of the more populous areas in Zambales province.[42] Household data from the 2020 census provides insight into living arrangements, with 16,942 households and an average household size of 4.00 members, a slight increase from 3.76 in 2015, indicating stable family structures amid population expansion. Preliminary indicators from the 2024 census suggest continued trends in household formation, though detailed breakdowns are pending full PSA release. Based on PSA projections derived from the 2020 census and recent growth patterns, the population is estimated to reach around 70,800 by mid-2025.[2]| Year | Population | Annual Growth Rate (from previous major census) | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 3,068 | - | - |
| 2020 | 67,889 | 2.7% (1903–2020 average) | 730 |
| 2024 | 70,105 | 0.81% (2020–2024) | 753.9 |