Malabon, municipality in the northern Philippines, on the island of Luzon, in Rizal Province. Part of the Manila metropolitan area and the National Capital Region, Malabon is located about 10 km (about 6 mi) north of Manila's downtown; Manila Bay lies to its west. Malabon is separated from Manila by the municipality of Navotas to the south. To the east lies the city of Caloocan. Malabon is an important commercial fishing center for Manila and is known for its production of bagoong (a fish paste) and for its fish-preparation plants. Numerous fish ponds are located in the area. Malabon is also part of the wider industrial district in the northern part of metropolitan Manila that produces chemicals, plastics, cigarettes, and other goods. Like other suburbs of Manila, Malabon's population has grown rapidly, by 47 percent between 1980 and 1990. This compares to 34 percent growth for the entire National Capital Region during the 1980s and 26 percent for the nation. Population (1999 estimate) 394,355.
