history

The province of Zambales was formally organized in 1572 after its exploration by Don Juan de Salcedo. From 1572 to 1903, a the norther portion of Zambales included the towns of Alaminos, Bolinao, San Isidro, Infanta, Anda, Bani and Agno, all of which now belong to Pangasinan. 

Among the earliest municipalities were Masinloc, organized in 1607 and was the first provincial capital, Iba, the present capital was organized in 1611, and Sta.Cruz, the northmost municipality was formed a year later. • Masinloc The earliest migrants, the Malays, came from the Celebes Sea and settled in the northern area up to Cape Bolinao of Lingayen Gulf. 

The Ilocanos migrated from the Ilocos Region and IBA the Tagalogs from Southern Luzon. The aborigines, the kinky haired Negritos and the Aetas were driven to the hinterlands and replaced by the newcomers who established villages which were nuclei of the formation of barangays and municipalities. 

The name of the province was derived from the Malay word "Samba" meaning to worship as the inhabitants were found by the Spaniards to be worshipping spirits called "Anitos". The habitants wehre then referred to as "Sambali" or the hispanized "Zambals".

Image Credit: https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/03/Aeta-Culture-Customs-Tradition-Indigenous-People-Philippines.html