Navotas City, Philippines

Navotas is within the National Capital Region, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Navotas City

• As of the 2020 Census, Navotas City had a population of 247,543.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 249,463, showing a slight decrease due to migration and urban density shifts.
• Navotas was historically inhabited by Tagalog-speaking coastal communities who lived along Manila Bay and the riverbanks. These early settlers engaged in fishing, salt-making, and boat-building, forming the cultural backbone of the city.
• The major dialect spoken today is Tagalog, with English widely used in education, government, and commerce. As in all Philippine cities, English is the official medium of instruction in schools, supporting national integration and global engagement.

Location of Navotas City

• Navotas City is located in the northwestern part of Metro Manila, bordered by Manila to the south, Malabon to the east, and Manila Bay to the west. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 14.6667°N latitude and 120.9500°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 8.94 square kilometers and comprises 18 barangays. The terrain is flat and coastal, with estuarine systems and reclaimed zones. The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
• The Navotas City Hall is located in Barangay Sipac-Almacen, near the Navotas Centennial Park and the Navotas Fish Port Complex.
• Most people reach Navotas via land transport. It is accessible through major roads such as C-4 Road, North Bay Boulevard, and R-10. The nearest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), approximately 20 kilometers south, while the Port of Manila is reachable within 30–45 minutes by road or ferry.

Tourist Attractions of Navotas City

• Navotas Fish Port Complex: Asia’s third-largest fish port, serving as a hub for seafood trade and maritime activity.
• Navotas Centennial Park: A waterfront park offering views of Manila Bay, jogging paths, and open-air spaces for community events.
• San Jose de Navotas Church: A historic parish church built in the 1800s, central to the city’s religious and cultural life.
• Bangus Festival: Celebrated every January, this festival honors the city’s fishing heritage with street dancing, culinary contests, and boat parades.

Economy of Navotas City

• Navotas’s economy is anchored in:
  • Fishing and aquaculture: The city is known as the “Fishing Capital of the Philippines,” with thousands of residents employed in seafood harvesting, processing, and distribution.
  • Shipbuilding and repair: Local shipyards and dry docks support maritime logistics and vessel maintenance.
  • Retail and commerce: Public markets, fish stalls, and small enterprises contribute to local trade.
• Navotas is classified as a 2nd-class highly urbanized city. While specific GDP data is limited, its strategic role in the national fisheries sector places it among the top contributors to Metro Manila’s maritime economy.

Educational Institutions of Navotas City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Navotas Polytechnic College: A city-run institution offering programs in education, business, and technology.
  • St. Therese School of Navotas: A private Catholic school offering basic and senior high education.
  • Navotas National High School: A public secondary school known for its academic and technical programs.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, maritime skills, and other trades.

History of Navotas City

• Navotas traces its origins to the early 1800s when it was part of the town of Malabon. The name “Navotas” comes from the Tagalog word “nabutas,” meaning “pierced through,” referring to the channel that separated it from Malabon due to flooding and erosion.
• On January 16, 1859, Navotas was formally established as an independent town. It developed rapidly as a fishing community, with boat-building and salt-making as key industries during the Spanish and American periods.
• Navotas became a municipality of Rizal Province and was later integrated into Metro Manila in 1975 under Presidential Decree No. 824. The construction of the Navotas Fish Port in the 1970s marked a turning point in its economic development.
• Navotas was officially converted into a highly urbanized city on June 24, 2007 through Republic Act No. 9387. Today, it is recognized for its disciplined governance, resilient communities, and maritime legacy.

Elected Officials of Navotas City

• As of the 2025 elections, Navotas City is led by:
  • Mayor: John Rey Tiangco (NVTEÑO)
  • Vice Mayor: Kap Tito Sanchez (NVTEÑO)
  • Representative – Lone District: Toby Tiangco (NVTEÑO)
  • City Councilors:
    • District I: Doc Rey Monroy, Lance Santiago, Mylene Sanchez, Anna Nazal, RV Vicencio, Tarok Maño
    • District II: Clint Geronimo, others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results
• For full election results and updates, visit: Navotas City Election Results.

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