HISTORY
The Zambales Resort Owners Association
(ZROA) was first started in 1991 shortly after the Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo,
originally it was a very casual association of a few Resort Owners and Operators
intent on trying to keep Zambales going as a growing Tourism area, despite
the area having been abandoned by Government Departments such as the Department
of Tourism after the devastating Volcanic eruption that had damaged and disrupted
much of the Province. Business became even more difficult after the Philippine
Senate rejected the Bases Agreement between the American and Philippine Governments
in 1992. At that time Zambales had become a popular recreation destination
for servicemen and their Families from both Clark Air Base in Pampanga and
Subic Bay Naval Base, situated partly in Zambales and partly in Bataan. Iba
was especially popular for Members of the flying Clubs who could fly into
Iba airport and from there enjoy the Beaches, Fishing and SCUBA Diving that
was catered for by local Resort operators. All of this business abruptly stopped
upon the pull out of the Military Bases.
By late 1995 the Zambales Resort Owners group had grown to a size that required
it to be registered with the Security and Exchange Commission as a nonprofit
organization.
S.E.C Registration was effected on June 10 1996.
Even based on the 1996 registration, we believe that ZROA is the oldest such
organization of it's type in all of Central and Northern Luzon.
Basically over the years there have been few changes to ZROA, many of the
founding Members are still actively involved today, in fact over the last
12 years there has only been 3 Presidents of the Association.
ZROA has no paid employees and continues to operate on the generosity of the
Members who give valuable time and expertise to the Association and thus indirectly
to the Industry. The object of ZROA is to promote "Zambales" in
it's entirety as a wholesome and enjoyable recreation area for local and foreign
tourists. ZROA also encourages the formation of smaller local groups in each
particular area to promote their particular area and attractions. One thing
that has been learned over the years is that an organized group of operators
can have a much better relationship and assistance from Government and N.G.O's
than individuals can enjoy. ZROA is an active assistant of the Provincial
Tourism Office of the Zambales Provincial Government
ZROA's accomplishments are listed on our website, they
are quite impressive.