city, southwestern Luzon, Philippines. The city is situated in a lowland area near the mouth of Subic Bay. Olongapo was heavily damaged in World War II (1939–45). It became a municipality in 1959 and a chartered city in 1966. The United States' Subic Bay Naval Station was located nearby and was largely responsible for the rapid growth of the city and its business and service establishments in the second half of the 20th century. The United States evacuated the base and turned it over to the Philippines in 1992. The city, recognized as a major tourist centre, annually attracts many visitors to its numerous resorts and beaches. Pop. (2000) 194,260.