Iba is a 2nd class coastal municipality and the capital of Zambales Province in Central Luzon Region, Philippines.

Profile of Iba Municipality (Geography)
Location –> Northern part of Zambales Province in the western portion of Central Luzon (See map below)
Neighboring Towns –> Palauig (north), San Jose in Tarlac (east), Botolan (south)
Area –> 153.38 km2 (59.22 sq mi)
Population –> 50,506 (2015 Census)
Revenue (2016) –> 150,175,708.02
Barangays –> 14
Terrain –> Mountainous with coastal plain
Industries –> Agriculture, Trading, Tourism
Major Products –> Rice, Mango, Vegetables, Poultry, Handicraft, Home-made Food Items
People/Language –> Ilocano, Sambal, Tagalog, English
Legislative District –> 2nd
Government Officials
Go here to see the elected municipal officials of Iba.

History of Iba

The town of Iba was originally called Paynauen. In 1611, Augustinian Recollect priests led by Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel established a Spanish settlement although the place was already inhabited by the Zambals as well as the Aeta people.

Years later, the Ilocanos migrated to the town. In 1860, the Dominican priests took over the administration of the place.

The capital of Zambales was moved from Masinloc then to Santa Cruz before Iba became the permanent seat of the provincial government.

Important events:
August 28, 1901 – American Civil Governor William Howard Taft held the historic session of the Second Philippine Commission establishing the Province of Zambales at St. Augustine Cathedral, the Roman Catholic Church of Iba.

1903 – Census under the American rule revealed that Iba was populated by 4,482 people. This number would increased to 8,299 in 1939 and to 14,555 in 1960.

1928 – The Divine Word congregation became the administrators of the Catholic Churches of Zambales including Iba.

December 8, 1941 – Japanese forces bombed Iba Airfield and later occupied the town.

1951 – The parish was turned over to the Columbans.

October 18, 1955 – The prelature of Iba was erected with Most Rev. Henry Byrne as the first bishop.

June 22, 1963 – In accordance with Republic Act 3590 or the Revised Barrio Charter, the town of Iba was organized to comprised forty-five (45) sitios, eight (8) barrios and one (1) poblacion.

October 1974 – President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 86 and Presidential Decree 86-A which subdivided the poblacion into 6 zonal districts or barangays.

November 15, 1982 – The prelature of Iba became the Diocese of Iba with Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto as bishop.

Economy of Iba

As the capital of the province, Iba is the center of government activities. It is also a major commercial and financial center where malls and banks are located. Still, agriculture plays an important role in the local economy with rice, mango and fish as the major products.

The town of Iba has domestic airport that serves local travel.

Tourist Spots in Iba

Beaches and resorts along the coast
Provincial Capitol
Cathedral of Saint Augustine

Festivals in

Dinamulag Festival “Zambales Mango Festival”

Map of Iba Municipality in Zambales Province

See also: Profile of Mayor Jun Rundy Ebdane, Governor Hermogenes Ebdane