Masinloc is one of the oldest and most historically significant municipalities in the Province of Zambales. It was among the native settlements visited by Spanish explorer Captain Juan de Salcedo in 1572 during his expedition in Western Luzon. During this voyage, Salcedo encountered a group of Zambal natives who were being held captive by Chinese warriors. A clash ensued between the Spaniards and the Chinese, resulting in the victory of Salcedo’s forces and the liberation of the Zambal captives. In gratitude, the natives accepted Spanish sovereignty, an event later commemorated in the traditional war dance and dramatization known as “Binabayani,” which remains a highlight of Masinloc’s annual town fiesta every November 29–30.

In 1607, Augustinian missionaries led by Fray Andres del Espiritu Santo arrived and established Masinloc as an organized settlement. They built the first Catholic church and convent in the province, dedicating the parish to St. Andrew the Apostle, who became the town’s patron saint. Due to its central location and navigable bay, Masinloc was chosen as the center of missionary activities and governance in Zambales. It became the first provincial capital of Zambales, which then extended from Cape Bolinao to Subic Bay, before the seat of government was later transferred to Sta. Cruz and eventually to Iba.

The origin of the town’s name is attributed to two main theories. One theory suggests that the name came from the phrase “Masin Ilog,” meaning “place with a river” in the Bolinao-Zambal dialect, which was later mispronounced as “Masinloc.” Another theory traces the name to the native “jinloc” tree that once grew abundantly in the area. Throughout its history, Masinloc has been governed by numerous local leaders, with Diego Casuplin recorded as the first head of the municipio. The town later gave birth to two municipalities: Palauig and Candelaria, which were once part of Masinloc’s territorial jurisdiction.

Masinloc is home to the historic San Andres Parish Church, recognized as the oldest Augustinian Catholic church in Zambales and declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum. Despite suffering structural damage from a strong earthquake in 1999, the church was restored and reopened, preserving its historical and architectural significance. The municipality is also known for the establishment of the first marine sanctuary in Luzon at San Salvador Island, which received national recognition, including the Gawad Galing Pook award for excellence in local governance and environmental management.

Economically, Masinloc is famous for its high-quality Zambales Carabao Mango, one of the town’s flagship agricultural products. The municipality has also been identified as a potential industrial and port development area by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Mining, fishing, port operations, and power generation are among its major industries, highlighted by the construction and operation of the Masinloc Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant. Fishing remains the primary livelihood of many residents, with the town’s bays and coastal waters serving as rich fishing grounds.

Geographically, Masinloc is a coastal municipality located between the Zambales Mountain Range in the east and the West Philippine Sea in the west. Its strategic coastal location has made it an important port and fishing center in the province. Today, Masinloc continues to grow as a dynamic municipality with a rich historical heritage, vibrant culture, and strong economic potential, contributing significantly to the development of Zambales and the Central Luzon region.