Castillejos is a 3rd class inland municipality of Zambales Province in Central Luzon Region, Philippines. It is known as the birthplace of the popular former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.

Profile of Castillejos Municipality (Geography)
Location and Distance from Manila –> 174 kilometers northwest of manila specifically in Zambales, Manila (See map below)
Neighboring Towns –> San Marcelino (North), Subic (Southeast), and San Antonio (West)
Area –> 92.99 km2 (35.90 sq mi)
Population –> 64,841 (2015 Census)
Terrain –> Mountainous with narrow river valleys
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Rice, Vegetables, Poultry, Handicraft, Home-made Food Items
People/Language –> Ilocano, Tagalog, English, Kapampangan
Barangays: 14
Revenues (2016) –> 145,730,567.36
Legislative District –> 1st

Government Officials
Congressman –> Jeffrey Khonghun
Mayor –> Eleanor Dominguez
Vice Mayor –> Rizal G. Salih Jr.
Municipal Councilors (Sangguniang Bayan or SB Members):
Maria Cecilia Rafanan
Claude Dalit
Albert Tugadi
Resty Viloria
Raymundo Navarro
Eric Joseph Pantaleon
Edgardo Gutierrez
Arturo Manzano

History

Castillejos was founded as a pueblo in 1743. The earliest families to settle in the town were Tagalogs. Until January 23, 1863, it was known as Uguit. How it was renamed Castillejos is still a matter of conjecture. The most probable reason was the victory of the Spaniards against the Moroccans in a war that took place in Castillejos, Morocco in the year 1860.

The earliest known leader of Castillejos was Don Ignacio de San Agustin who most probably ruled the pueblo in the late 18th century.

In 1950, Castillejos was formally organized as a separate municipality.

Economy

Castillejos is an agricultural town where rice is the most important crop. Mango is the primary fruit being produced. Some farmers raise vegetables, hogs, poultry and eggs to supplement their income. At the town center, small traders and shop owners cater to the daily needs of the residents.

The town is home to a campus of Ramon Magsaysay Technological University thereby providing some employment to local residents.

Tourist Spot

Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House
Carmelite Monastery

Sta. Maria Parish Church

Festivals

Suman Ibos Festival – held in the month of March to celebrate rich town’s culture. Coinciding with the death anniversary of President Magsaysay, it features Kuliglig (farm implement) Parade, the Street Dance Competition, and the Suman Making Contest. (Suman is a favorite Filipino delicacy made from sticky rice and wrapped in banana leaves.)

Map of Castillejos Municipality

See also: Profile of Mayor Eleanor Dominguez, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.