Iba is at the Heartland of Zambales

Iba is the capital town of the Province of Zambales. It is at the heartland of the province which makes it strategic in terms of services that need to be rendered to Zambalenos. It is a second class municipality and the birthplace of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.

Its local government is trying its best to make Iba an important town in the province. Not just being the capitol town but also as a major hub aside from the province's well known city of Olongapo and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. With its new municipal slogan, Iba wants to entice more tourists to visit their municipality.

Provincial malls have started to open in the town. The Iba Town Center as well as the CSI Mall cater to the shopping needs of its people and those of the neighboring towns. It will not be surprising anymore if the bigger mall conglomerates will start building their business establishments there.

Several resorts have opened to cater to the town's visitors. Having its own coastline, Iba is also a venue for swimming just like other known towns in Zambales. Aside from the sea, the resorts also have pools for those who go for swimming inside the resort premises.

Swimming in the beach is still tops for the visiting public as well as Iba residents. Being in the western coast of the island of Luzon, Iba beaches are perfect places to watch the sun set. With the West Philippine Sea in the horizon, you can just sit back and see the sun fade into the evening.

For residents, whether you live in a modern house or the old provincial type, Iba is definitely a place where rest can really be called REST. Its quiet surroundings, the unaffected people and nature at its best are perfect combination to call the town a homey environment.

Colleges and universities are important facilities especially in a capital town or city. With the increasing population of Iba, the President Ramon Magsaysay State University provides public education while institutions like the Micro Asia College of Science and Technology provides private education. These are but some of the schools that give the students of Iba and nearby municipalities their educational needs.

Iba, having the second largest land area in Central Luzon, has a lot to offer. The local officials as well as its people have maintained the cleanliness of their town and its environs. When I visited Iba, it was evident that the town is still lush at this age and time.

Many may think that Iba is just the quaint capital of Zambales but it is the most important town in the province where all decisions emanate since it is where the provincial capitol is located. My only wish is for Iba to retain its provincial allure despite the beckoning of modernity. After all, it is at the heartland of Zambales.

Credit to the owners of the photos.