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Malabon

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Malabon is a highly urbanized city located within the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It is part of a sub-region known as CAMANAVA. This name is an acronym using the first syllables of its neighboring cities: Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.

Ph fil malabon barangays
Ph fil malabon barangays

Malabon sits just north of Manila. It borders the town of Obando in the province of Bulacan to the northwest. With a population of 389,929 people according to the 2024 census, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the metropolis. The city serves as a major residential and industrial center for the region.

The name Malabon comes from the Tagalog word *malabon*, which means "having many silt deposits." Before it was known as Malabon, the area was called Tambobong. This name comes from the rural Tagalog word *tambúng*, meaning "barn."

Malabon church Philippines column base
Malabon church Philippines column base

The city was founded as a *visita*, or a small hamlet, of Tondo by Augustinian missionaries on May 21, 1599. During the Spanish colonial period, the name Malabon was also used for two other locations in Cavite. These places are known today as Tanza and General Trias.

Malabon played a significant economic role during the late 19th century. In 1851, the La Princesa Tabacalera tobacco company was founded there. This company operated under the Compañia General de Tabacos de Filipinas, which was owned by the Spanish Crown. Later, in 1878, the Malabon Sugar Company was established. This company was a pioneer in the refined sugar industry in the Philippines.

Villongco House (2022-12-15) E911a 10
Villongco House (2022-12-15) E911a 10

The city also saw early technological progress with its steam tram lines. A stream tram line from Tondo reached Malabon in 1889. This was one of the first large steam-powered rail services in Southeast Asia. It actually opened three years before the Philippine National Railways' Main Line North in 1892.

The geography of Malabon is defined by its low-lying and flat terrain. This physical layout makes the city prone to frequent flooding. Floods often occur during heavy rains, high tides, or when rivers and dams overflow.

Artex Compound houses
Artex Compound houses

The Tullahan River is one of the interconnected rivers that affect the CAMANAVA area. In the past, this river system was navigable and supported a large fishing industry. The water was wider, deeper, and of higher quality. Local residents relied on the river for food and grew crops like *palay* (rice) and vegetables along the banks. Over time, these agricultural plots were replaced by industrial yards and homes for informal settlers.

Today, Malabon is a growing industrial hub with a diverse economy. The city's economy is growing rapidly, ranking second in the National Capital Region with a 7.27% GDP increase in 2024.

JfRufina Patis & Bagoong FactoryMalabon Cityfvf 04
JfRufina Patis & Bagoong FactoryMalabon Cityfvf 04

Many industries operate here, including sugar refining and candle production. The city is also known for making *patis* (fish sauce) and extracting *ilang-ilang* flowers for perfume. While it was once centered on aquaculture, the city is now moving toward smart city technology and sustainable practices like plastic upcycling.

The city is organized into 21 different barangays, which are administrative districts. Some of these areas are very crowded. For example, the barangay of Longos has a population of 48,039. The barangay of Tonsuya has 39,354 residents.

Malabon City Hall, Nov 2023
Malabon City Hall, Nov 2023

The local government operates from an 11-story city hall building on F. Sevilla Boulevard. This building was inaugurated in 2008 and features a digital system to help with government transactions. The city also manages various territorial disputes, such as a boundary disagreement with Caloocan regarding the Libis Baesa area.

Culture and tourism are important parts of life in Malabon. The city is sometimes called the "local Venice" because of its frequent flooding and gradual sinking.

5973Letre Road Paterio Aquino Avenue Bridge River Malabon City 14
5973Letre Road Paterio Aquino Avenue Bridge River Malabon City 14

It is famous for its unique food, such as Pancit Malabon and various *kakanin* like *sapin-sapin* and *bibingka*. Visitors can take tricycle tours to see heritage sites, including the 400-year-old San Bartolome Church.

Concepcion Church, Malabon, Aug 2025 (1)
Concepcion Church, Malabon, Aug 2025 (1)

Every December 8, the city holds the Pagoda-Caracol, a fluvial procession to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Malabon church Philippines column base.jpg
Malabon church Philippines column base.jpg
File:Artex Compound houses.jpg
Artex Compound houses.jpg
File:Ph fil malabon barangays.png
Ph fil malabon barangays.png
File:Lian Hua Temple (Lotus Flower Temple) 41.jpg
Lian Hua Temple (Lotus Flower Temple) 41.jpg
File:Concepcion Church, Malabon, Aug 2025 (1).jpg
Concepcion Church, Malabon, Aug 2025 (1).jpg
File:Sto. Rosario Parish Church, Malabon City.jpg
Sto. Rosario Parish Church, Malabon City.jpg
File:JfRufina Patis & Bagoong FactoryMalabon Cityfvf 04.JPG
JfRufina Patis & Bagoong FactoryMalabon...
File:Malabon City Hall, Nov 2023.jpg
Malabon City Hall, Nov 2023.jpg
File:Villongco House (2022-12-15) E911a 10.jpg
Villongco House (2022-12-15) E911a 10.jpg
File:5973Letre Road Paterio Aquino Avenue Bridge River Malabon City 14.jpg
5973Letre Road Paterio Aquino Avenue...
File:JfHulongDuhatSchoolsMalabonfvf 15.JPG
JfHulongDuhatSchoolsMalabonfvf 15.JPG
File:Education Schools in Malabon City 36.jpg
Education Schools in Malabon City 36.jpg
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