FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., on September 17, 2026, has requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a 25-day Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) for the 412 owners of the stalls affected by the fire that razed Pampang Public Market on the evening of September 16.
The ECT Program for Fire Victims is intended to provide immediate assistance for fire victims’ early recovery.
Lazatin said stall owners can receive P5,000 to P10,000 financial assistance under the program.
“Kahit paano ay makatulong ito sa pagsisimula ng ating mga kababayang nawalan ng hanapbuhay,” Lazatin said.
As of yesterday, the request reached the office of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, as reported by Regional Director Venus Rebuldela.
Earlier, Lazatin also requested President Ferdinand Marcos, through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, with the concurrence of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin, to allocate P300 million in funding under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for the re-construction of the affected areas of the market for 2027.
Lazatin also conducted an inspection of the Pampang Public Market together with DPWH District Engineer Cezar Abella and Engr. Sheryl Faustino to assess the damage to the market.
“Kasama ninyo kami sa inyong pagdadalamhati at, higit sa lahat, kasama ninyo kami sa inyong pagbangon sa trahedyang ito,” Lazatin said.
“Patuloy kaming nakikiisa at handang makibahagi sa inyong muling pagsisimula,” he added.