Stronger together is the mission of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-NCR North Sector as it mounts the first CAMANAVA Business Conference at the Navotas Convention Center on September 3 and 4.
All four PCCI chapters from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela have united for a two-day event featuring over 200 exhibitors across sectors, talks by business experts, and a gala dinner and awards night for champions of Industry in what is also known as the Third District of Metro Manila.
At a recent media conference to announce the event, Charlie Policarpio, chair of the CAMANAVA Business Conference 2026 and Regional Governor of PCCI’s NCR North Sector, said the event aims to strengthen the district’s business ecosystem, foster cooperation, attract investments, and provide livelihood opportunities for SNEs.
Referring to the conference as ‘a milestone initiative unified by the BCCI-NCR North Sector, he said, ‘The event is designed to bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and stakeholders on one platform.’
Beyond the fully packed program of seminars, breakout sessions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, Policarpio emphasized that the organizers’ goal is to ensure that the conference delivers lasting value, with meaningful partnerships, insights, and initiatives extending well beyond the two-day gathering.
‘We want businesses to find the right connections, entrepreneurs to gain ideas they can turn into action, and partnerships to emerge. Partnerships that create real opportunities for growth and make a connection in our communities.’
Policarpio was joined by the presidents of various business associations: Debbie Guo of PCCI-Caloocan, Grace Torres of PCCI-Malabon, Benjamin Chua of the Malabon Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Paul Santos, PCCI-Navotas; and Gemma Ong, PCCI-Valenzuela.
Conference highlights
Showcasing the best of the district is a diverse mix of exhibitors ranging from food manufacturers, retailers, jewelry businesses, hardware owners, medical diagnostic centers, resorts and hotels, finance agencies, and industrial manufacturers-all based in the CAMANAVA area.
The local government units of the four cities will likewise highlight their respective MSMEs.
The event also aims to stir meaningful conversations that will bring new learnings and encourage participants to be future-ready.
Guest speakers are Frank Gaw, entrepreneur and founder of Kangkong King; Carl Balita, educator and entrepreneur; Francis Kong, leadership and entrepreneurship mentor; Chinkee Tan, wealth coach and financial literacy advocate; and Rey Pineda, communications and personal branding expert.
To cap off the landmark event on the last day is a gala dinner and solidarity night where the Champions of CAMANAVA Industries will be recognized.
Modern and old glory
Historically, CAMANAVA has a rich colonial heritage with preserved colonial churches and ancestral homes still standing in the area. It is also known for its heritage cuisine, like Pancit Malabon, Valenzuela City’s putong polo, fresh seafood from Navotas, and Filipino-Chinese cuisine in Caloocan City.
Malabon was once known as the Cradle of Bangus Farming and was the original site of commercial bangus farming, which began around 1863. Navotas is known as a fishing capital and supplies fresh fish and seafood to Metro Manila.
During the 19th century, the area thrived on highly specialized trades, such as refined sugar, textiles, cigar making, and kalesa manufacturing.
Today, the CAMANAVA district remains a bustling coastal economic hub and center for industrialization.
Inclusive growth
Welcoming the BCCI-NCR North Sector to Navotas, this year’s host city, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco
‘This year’s theme, ‘Reigniting Businesses, CANANAVA on the Beat,’ is very timely. Our four cities have long been centers of industry, manufacturing, fisheries, logistics, food production, and trade. Together, we have the potential to become an even stronger economic hub.’
In Navotas, Mayor Tiangco cited that manufacturing accounts for 22.4% of the city’s GDP. Meanwhile, its fisheries sector continues to create opportunities across the entire value chain, from production and processing to whole-chain logistics and distribution.
He added that the modernization of the Navotas Fish Market, improved connectivity, and investment incentives for emerging industries are preparing Navotas for the next generation of businesses and investments.
Growth, however, must be inclusive, the mayor added.
‘As mentioned earlier, it’s not just a business conference. It’s actually about strengthening CAMANAVA into one integrated economic and industrial hub where businesses can grow, investments can flourish, and more jobs can be created.
‘I commend the four PCCI chapters for bringing CAMANAVA together, and of course the LGUs. We are proud that Navotas is your host. May this conference lead to stronger partnerships, stronger businesses, and a stronger CAMANAVA,’ Mayor Tiangco concluded.