Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval called on residents to support locally made food and products as part of the city’s 426th Tambobong Festival celebration on Wednesday, May 21.

“Sa ating pagdiriwang ng ika-426 na Anibersaryo ng Pagkakatatag ng Malabon, ating pong itangkilik ang sariling atin. Ang mga pagkain at mga produktong gawang Malabon ang nagbibigay sa atin ng pagkakakilanlan hindi lang sa ating lungsod, kundi sa buong Pilipinas at sa mundo. Gaya ng Pansit Malabon, na kamakailan lang ay ating itinampok upang hirangin ang ating lungsod bilang isang World Record holder (As we celebrate the 426th Anniversary of the Founding of Malabon, let us proudly support our own. The food and products made in Malabon give us a unique identity—not only in our city but throughout the Philippines and even around the world. Just like Pansit Malabon, which we recently showcased in our successful bid to have our city recognized as a World Record holder),” she said.

Sandoval emphasized that Malabon’s local products reflect the talent, culture, and rich heritage of Malabueños.

“By promoting our unique products, we show the creativity and strength of our communities. Happy Tambobong Festival, Malabueños!,” she said.

She added that the celebration is an opportunity to remain united and continue working together with compassion, care, and the true spirit of bayanihan.

“These values will guide our city toward a more progressive, inclusive, and thriving future—with a vibrant culture and growing economy,” the mayor said.

The mayor noted that the festival is a testament to the strong sense of community and teamwork in Malabon.

She encouraged everyone to sustain this unity by supporting homegrown products and businesses.

Malabon City, known as the “City of Flavors and Heritage,” takes pride in its deep-rooted history and distinct culture.

Historically, the city flourished through fishing and farming. Today, it is well-known for its heritage homes, long-standing traditions, and signature dishes such as lechon, sapin-sapin, okoy, kikiam, and most notably, the iconic Pancit Malabon—a noodle dish made with seafood and native ingredients.

In March 2025, Malabon set a Guinness World Record for the longest line of noodle bowls, with 6,549 bowls of Pancit Malabon, beating China’s previous record of 3,988. The achievement was made possible with help of students and volunteers.

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On March 27, the city also held a grand float parade to mark its founding anniversary and Charter Day. Twenty colorful floats showcased Malabon’s rich traditions, history, and local pride.

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To promote local products, the city launched the "One Barangay, One Product" program in 2023. Each barangay features its best food and items, including Kangkong Chips from Barangay Acacia, Bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) from Bayan Bayanan, Peachy-peachy from Baritan, Suman (rice cake) from Catmon, and many kinds of kakanin (rice snacks), bread, and delicacies from other areas. Lechon from Hulong Duhat, Crispy Pata (fried pork leg) from Ibaba, peanut butter from Barangay Muzon, fish crackers from Santulan, and halo-halo from Tinajeros are also popular.

Meanwhile, non-food items like medals from Barangay Tugatog, sampaguita flowers from Barangay Maysilo, and bayong (woven bags) from Barangay Potrero were featured as well.

City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete praised Mayor Sandoval’s leadership, saying it has united the city in pursuing progress.

"Under the leadership of Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, we will continue to grow as one community with a clear goal. As we celebrate our anniversary, let us remember what it means to be a Malabueno — strong, humble, caring, and united for a better city. Let’s support our own products," he said.

Malabon was once called Tambobong. It is one of the oldest communities in Metro Manila, established in 1599 by the Augustinians during the Spanish colonial period. The name Tambobong likely comes from “tambo,” a type of reed plant that used to grow there.

Its strategic location near Manila Bay and the Navotas River helped it grow into a key center for fishing and trade.

Malabon officially became a highly urbanized city through Republic Act No. 9019, authored by former Congressman Ricky Sandoval and enacted on April 21, 2001.

As Malabon celebrates 426 years of rich history and heritage, Sandoval reminded the public to stay united, be proud of their culture, and continue working together for a better, more inclusive future.