MALABON Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has urged her constituents to continue patronizing and promoting local food products and embrace the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ (community cooperation) as she enjoined them to join in the celebration of the city’s 426th Founding Anniversary.
Fresh from being reelected for the second term during the May 12 midterm polls, Sandoval stressed that this would be a meaningful way to honor the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
She cited the cooperation and unity among the city people that made Malabon the Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Line of Bowls of Noodles after it managed to assemble 6, 549 bowls of the popular ‘Pancit Malabon’ in March this year.
The historic event shattered the current record of 3, 988 servings of noodles held by the Jinshi Beef and Rice Noodles Association in Hunan, China in 2019.
Malabon, known as the ‘City of Flavors and Heritage, continues to take pride in its historical significance and unique local identity, the city’s first female mayor said.
Historically, Malabon thrived through its fishing and agricultural industries and has long been celebrated for its heritage homes, vibrant cultural traditions, and renowned cuisine.
“Today, the city is widely recognized for its signature dishes, condiments, and delicacies made with locally sourced ingredients,” Sandoval said.
Among its most beloved offerings are ‘lechon,’ ‘sapin-sapin,’ ‘okoy,’ ‘kikiam’ and ‘peachy-peachy.’
Most iconic, however, is the famous Pancit Malabon—crafted from the bounty of the city’s rivers and coastline and typically featuring shrimp, oysters, squid, flaked smoked fish, hard-boiled eggs, celery, cabbage, ‘bihon,’ garlic, ‘chicharon,’ and fish sauce.
Formerly known as Tambobong, Malabon is located in the northern part of Metro Manila and is one of the country’s oldest communities, City Administrator Alex Rosete said.
Established by the Augustinians in 1599 during the Spanish colonial period, the name ‘tambobong’ is believed to have originated from the ‘tambo’ (reed) plants that once flourished in the area.
On April 21, 2001, Malabon was officially declared a highly urbanized city through Republic Act 9019, authored by former Congressman Ricky Sandoval, the mayor’s husband.
