Navotas Celebrates 120 Years: Highlighting Digital Services & Community Programs

The Navotas City government highlighted its expanding digital services and community-focused programs as the city marked its 120th founding anniversary through a series of activities held from Jan. 15 to 16. Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the milestone celebration reflected the city’s continuing efforts to improve public service delivery through technology while strengthening support systems for residents. “Another year of triumph over challenges has passed, and this celebration allowed us to give thanks for the guidance and countless blessings we have received,” Mayor Tiangco said. “As we honor our journey, we remain committed to building a smarter, more accountable, and more inclusive Navotas for every Navoteño,” he added. The anniversary carried the theme “Navotas@120: eTAAS — Empowered Navoteños in a Tech-Driven, Accountable, Adaptive, Smart City.” According to the city’s Public Information Office, the celebration began with a Misa ng Pasasalamat on Jan. 5, offering thanksgiving for 120 years of growth, unity, and progress. During the anniversary week, the city launched NavApp, a mobile application designed to serve as a single digital platform for city government programs and services. On Jan. 9, the city also recognized its partners during the awarding of the Top 20 Business and Realty Taxpayers and Top Stakeholders, honoring their contributions to Navotas’ economic growth and development. Cultural activities were also featured, including the Pangisdaan Festival street dance competition on Jan. 10, which was won by Filemon T. Lizan Senior High School. On Jan. 12, the city government inaugurated Bahay Kalinga, a temporary shelter for abandoned, neglected, and abused children. The Mutya ng Navotas pageant was also held, with 18 candidates representing the city’s barangays. Barangay Daanghari was crowned Mutya ng Navotas 2026 on Jan. 15. The city government said the anniversary week likewise featured health, education, and livelihood initiatives, including a health caravan for senior citizens, citywide HPV DNA screening, a mega job fair, financial literacy seminars, and simultaneous clean-up drives. The celebration culminated in a grand parade on Jan. 16, which drew large crowds and was graced by Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo and model-actress Max Collins. The distribution of rice packs to residents began on Jan. 17 and will run until Jan. 24. The local government said the founding anniversary underscored Navotas’ commitment not only to festive celebrations but also to long-term goals of health, education, digital transformation, and community empowerment.