REELING from the post-honeymoon period, the Angeles City Government has made great strides in the socio-economic and political sphere with remarkable achievements aimed at improving the delivery of public services and streamlining the people in the frontline that extend these services. The city government is resolute – unyielding to the pressure of public service, even walking the extra mile so that the changes can be felt by the people of Angeles City.
On Finance
For the first 100 days in office of Mayor Lazatin, the Office of the City Treasurer reported a revenue of P474,277,160.33 from the period July to September 2019, from the P417,535,075.59 reported revenue in the same period in 2018. The revenue increased to P56,742,085 or an 11.96 percent increment.
The business tax collections reached P104,755,698.92. The Business Permit and License Division (BPLD) collected P90,444,324.79 from July to September 2019, a 13.61% increase from the P78,134,424.27 collected in the same period in 2018. The BPLD has issued 1,006 business permits during Mayor Lazatin’s administration – 787 new and 219 for renewal.
The City Treasurer’s Office noted total local sources rose to 7.75% from P186,679,327.64 to P202,366, 502.60. For external sources, the revenue for the 3rdquarter is P271,910,657.73 up from the P230,855,747.95 collected in the same period last 2018. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has collected P317,200 in the 3rdquarter with 505 undertakings.
During his inaugural speech, Mayor Lazatin has vowed not to increase taxes but, instead, improve the collection of taxes. The notable increase in revenue collections will redound to the best interests of the people as the city government improves its services.
Last September 18, 2019, the Angeles City Economic Development, Investments, and Promotions Office (ACEDIPO) opened the “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) store at the Heritage District of Angeles City. The City Government and the Angeles City Association of Micro and Small Entrepreneurs (ACAMASE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the co-management of the OTOP store, which showcases the best products not only of Angeles City but those in Pampanga province.
On Environment
Mayor Lazatin wanted a clean environment to make Angeles City conducive for investments. The DILG Memo Circular 2019-121, which the local chief executive implemented, put into motion the clearing of roadways and sidewalks in all 33 barangays of Angeles City.
Mayor Lazatin personally supervised the clearing operations along the ‘Walking Street’ at Fields Avenue in the business district of Barangay Balibago, all the way to the Don Juico Avenue up to Korean Town at the Friendship Circumferential Road. The inspection team composed of the BPLD, Gender and Development (GAD) Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Engineering Office (CEO), Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) and the City Information Office (CIO) have conducted lightning raids that resulted to the closure of several bars without license permits and whose workers did not have health cards.
During an inspection on October 11, 2019, Mayor Lazatin personally supervised the closure of Golden Build Limited Inc., located at the three floors of Jun Hyun Building in Barangay Anunas, for operating without a business permit. Golden Build was found operating an offshore gaming operations (POGO) facility. Two other bars – Lucky Lucy KTV and Mirage – were also closed after the inspection team found that a number of their workers had no health cards.
The DILG Inspection Team noted that the City Government of Angeles has complied with the DILG order to clear the roadways and sidewalks of obstructions. The prevalent traffic problem around San Nicolas Market and Apo Church during Fridays has been resolved with the removal of ambulant vendors from the roadways and sidewalks. Elsewhere in Angeles City, road obstructions had also been removed.
Among others, Mayor Lazatin has banned the use of plastic and Styrofoam; instead, encouraging the use of recyclable, environment-friendly materials in their packaging; and implemented the “Smoking Ban.”
CENRO is continuously monitoring the ban against the use of plastic and styrofoam; and smoking. The Clean-up drive along the Sapang Balen Creek and Lazatin Creek also continues.
The City Government also promotes waste segregation at source to support the plan to have a viable solid waste management system in the city.
On Health
The provision of public health care is one of the key programs of Mayor Lazatin, with emphasis on improving the delivery of health services to the people. The access to better public health will allow the people to be more productive.
The City Government has revitalized the rural health units (RHUs) by ordering doctors and staff to make themselves available at the RHUs. This will make health services more efficient and accessible to the people as the City Government aims to provide more RHU facilities.
Mayor Lazatin has personally delivered medicines to these RHUs, aside from the house-to-house delivery of medicines to indigents all over the city. This October, Mayor Lazatin had personally gave medicines to bed-ridden residents during his visits. The City Government has also provided free medical-related benefits for senior citizens, such as the recent Anti-Flu Vaccination that was conducted in coordination with Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), City Health Office (CHO), GAD Office, Barangay Affairs and Public Assistance Center (BAPAC), the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), and the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM). Some 7,811 senior citizens have availed of the Anti-Flu Vaccination.
Mayor Lazatin, together with the City Nutrition Office, have conducted Vitamin A Supplementation in 1,263 households of 16 barangays last August, where some 4,179 children benefitted. In the coming days, the City Government will replace all medical laboratory equipment; rehabilitate the social hygiene building; and enforce strict implementation on the issuance of ‘Pink Health Cards.’ More than 3,000 workers at the entertainment industry in Barangay Balibago have renewed their ‘health cards’ recently after the City Government inspection team led by Mayor Lazatin visited several bars along the ‘Walking Street.’
The dengue epidemic in the country did not spare Pampanga province, however, although Angeles City had 114 dengue cases reported from January 1 up to August 3, 2019, no death had been reported. CHO and CENRO have conducted fumigation and clearing activities in Angeles City to contain the dengue-carrying mosquitoes and prevent them from further breeding.
The City Government will pursue the establishment of more Newborn Screening Centers in Angeles City to ensure the effective implementation of Republic Act 9709, otherwise known as the ‘Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 2009”; and will further improve services and facilities at the Ospital ning Angeles (ONA), including the provision for medical supplies.
Some P1.8 million had been earmarked for the medical and financial assistance of sickly senior citizens. So far, 55 bedridden and sickly senior citizens from 12 barangays are the beneficiaries of a medical and financial assistance amounting to P11,000 have been given by the Angeles City Government led by Mayor Lazatin.
The Mayor personally visited them in their homes to distribute the P2,000 monetary gift. He was also accompanied by two doctors to check the condition of the qualified recipients, and handed free medicines. He then reminded the families to allot the money for groceries, or other basic needs of the elderly. A total of 11 senior citizens were from Barangay Ninoy Aquino; 9 from Barangay Sta. Teresita; 8 from Barangay Margot; 7 from Barangay Salapungan; 4 from Barangay Balibago; 3 each from Barangays Cutcut, Pampang, Sto. Cristo, and Cuayan; 2 from Barangay Sapangbato; and 1 each from Barangays Anunas and Amsic. According to Mayor Lazatin, the Angeles City Government will do its part to implement programs his constituents deserve. This will not just stop during the Elderly Week celebration every October, he added. For 2020, he will allocate P10 million for the Social Citizens’ social pension. City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO), Gender and Development (GAD) Office, Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), City Health Office (CHO), and City Information Office (CIO) also assisted the mayor during the visitation. Meanwhile, in availing for Senior Citizens’ Identification Card, requirements needed are photocopy of valid ID, Voter’s ID or Certificate Barangay Clearance, two copies of 2×2 picture, 1 copy of 1×1 picture, and signature.
ONA reported the number of dialysis treatment done increased to 857 Hemodialysis/month; number of admissions – 1,237 admissions/month; number of emergency room patients – 4,878; number of OPD consultation – 6,743 patients/month; and number of prescription served – 26,662 prescription served/month.
Under the Lazatin administration, P28 million from the Department of Health – Hospital Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) will be used to build the Emergency Room, Laboratory and Blood Bank. The City Government also intends to solicit a brand new CT Scan machine from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. P5 million per month is also earmarked for indigent patients at the Malasakit Center.
Among others, ONA has already released all “hostage” Birth Certificates; started the process of upgrading the hospital from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 2; computerization of ONA (80-90%) involving patients’ database, inventory of medicines and supplies, billing and cashier; proper management of hospital wastes; cleaning and sanitation of hospital compound; strengthening of the MSSO to give full medical assistance to indigent patients; establish affiliations with tertiary training hospitals like JBL Hospital and AUF Hospital to serve growing patients at ONA and the expansion of the Outpatient Department with the addition of 4 more consultation rooms.
On Infrastructure
Early August, Mayor Lazatin and Rep. Carmelo “Jonjon” Lazatin II broke ground for the construction of the P150 million EPZA Diversion Road that will link Angeles City to Barangays Cacutud, Pulung Maragul and Sapalibutad via a bridge along the NLEX. The EPZA Diversion Road is expected to solve the perennial traffic along the Pandan Road. The City Government and the Office of Rep. Lazatin are also eyeing the construction of other diversion roadways to solve traffic once and for all.
The EPZA Diversion Road will pass through the Infinity area and will end at Don Aniceto Gueco Avenue, easing out traffic along the Pandan Road.
With education and health as cornerstones of Mayor Lazatin’s ‘Six-Point Agenda,’ more buildings will rise up at the City College of Angeles (CCA) and the Ospital Ning Angeles (ONA) to accommodate more students and patients, respectively. Mayor Lazatin wants the construction of infrastructure support, such as secondary road networks and overpasses, to ease traffic congestion. The establishment of permanent transport terminals is also eyed.
The CEO has already bidded out 11 infrastructure projects under the Lazatin administration amounting to P53,062,781.10. Under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) Fund 2019, the following projects are: Repair of Slope Protection (Malabanias Bridge), Barangay Malabanias – P1M; Repair of Slope Protection (Kalayaan Bridge), Barangay Cutcut – P1M; Construction of drainage along Bugallion Street (Continuation), Barangay Agapito Del Rosario – P1,500,000; Construction of Drainage along Abad Santos St., Plaridel I Subdivision, Barangay Malabanias – P1,500,000; Construction and Improvement of Drainage along P. Gomez St., Barangay Salapungan – P1,500,000; and Construction of Drainage along Sto. Nino St., Barangay Sto. Cristo – P1M.
The project under the Local School Board Office-Special Education Fund (LSBO-SEF), 2B-3, 2017 is the proposed Four Storey Fifteen Unit Classroom School Building (Phase 1), Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School, Barangay Balibago amounting to P27,562,781.10.
The project under the 20% Development Fund is the Improvement of the Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay Lourdes Sur amounting to P3,000,000.
The projects under the Local Government Support Funds (LGSF-DBM) are: Construction of Abacan Loop Park, Barangay Balibago – P3,105,407.88; Improvement of Angeles City Heritage District (Phase IV), Nepomuceno St., Barangay Sto. Rosario – P4,218,989.58; and the Improvement of People’s Park, Diamond Subdivision, Barangay Balibago – P7,675,602.54.
More projects will be bidded out soon that includes the improvement of road, drainage system, alternate evacuation centers, covered courts, multi-purpose halls, repair and improvement of USAID Buildings at the Angeles City National Trade School and the Salapungan Elementary School, expansion of the NGO Livelihood Center, improvement of Pampang Public Market (Phase 4), improvement of the City College of Angeles, construction of training center at the DSWD Compound, and concreting and asphalt overlay with road markings.
On Tourism
Barely a month in office, Mayor Lazatin has immediately abolished the P20 Tourism Development Fund being collected from hotel guests in Angeles City. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga (HARP) has welcomed the move as Mayor Lazatin vows to make Angeles a business-friendly city.
Mayor Lazatin has also reorganized the Angeles City Tourism Council. The ‘Sinupan Singsing,’ a Kapampangan Language Services Unit, has also successfully held the “Matenakang Anak ning Amanung Sisuan,” which was participated in by public and private schools last August 30-31, 2019 at the Newpoint Mall Atrium.
For the first time, Angeles City has also joined the ‘Tara na sa Norte Tourism and Travel Fair’ at the Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
For the Oktoberfest, the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) presented the ‘Kambal Festival’ (Oct. 12), which is the parade of twins from various barangays in the city; the horse race ‘Calesin Tilbury Race’ (Oct, 13); the marching band during the La Naval Fiesta last October 13, 2019; ‘Bengi ning Angelenos’ (Oct. 18); ‘Pamangan Fiesta’ (Oct. 19); the gay pageant ‘Queen of Angeles’ (Oct. 19); ‘Car and Motorcycle Show’ (Oct. 20); Job Fair (Oct. 22); ‘Tigtigan Terakan King Dalan’ (Oct. 25 and 26); Biketoberfest (Oct. 25); and ‘Paldak at Pulayi (Oct. 26).
Mayor Lazatin is eyeing a ‘Master Plan for Tourism’ in Angeles City.
Angeles City, being landlocked, does not have much in terms of unique tourist destinations, but it is rich in talented human resources. The City Government intends to support people with talent, particularly the youth by partnering with learning institutions to establish youth development centers in various fields and skills.
For example, a Center for the Culture and the Arts will be established at the Angeles University Foundation (AUF); a Center for Film and Media Arts will be established at the Holy Angel University (HAU); a Center for Digital Media and Graphics Design will be established at the Systems Plus College Foundation and a Center for Vocational and Technical Training will be established at the Angeles City National Trade School.
Angeles City its known for its cuisine. The City Government is now integrating the food industry with the tourism sector by presenting the city’s culinary heritage. Angeles City is home to culinary greats such as Aling Lucing, Toll House, Susi’s Cuisine, Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, etc.
On Social Welfare
The CSWDO has already rescued 212 street children between July 1 and October 8, 2019. Of this number, 162 were released to their parents and 50 were referred to the temporary shelter ‘Tuloy Foundation.’
Under the Child Youth Welfare Program (Day Care Service), there are now 76 Child Development Centers and some 3,456 kids aged 3 to 4 years old who had been served.
The CSWDO also released P2,169,960 financial assistance to 505 individuals and extended Self Employment Assistance Program to 70 beneficiaries.
At the Home for Girls, 58 have been accorded temporary shelter including the abused, neglected, and abandoned children. At Bahay Pag-Asa, 132 teenage boys have been accorded temporary shelter. Some 114 out-of-school youth have been also served.
The administration of Mayor Lazatin will continue to rescue distressed children off the streets in a bid to make Angeles City a child-friendly city.
On the drive vs Illegal Drugs
Mayor Lazatin stands firm in the drive against illegal drugs.
Functional Barangay Drug Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) will be established throughout the 33 barangays, while a community-based reformation center will provide trainings and livelihood for drug law offenders. The City Government will also pursue the creation of the Sagip Batang Solvent Reformation Center.
To win the battle against the scourge of illegal drugs, the Angeles City Anti-Drug Council (ACADAC) has already conducted drug prevention symposiums. Some 381 students have attended the drug prevention symposium at the Pineda Gutierrez Elementary School last July 5, 2019; and 481 students have attended the same symposium at the Systems Plus College Foundation last August 13, 2019.
The ACADAC has also assisted in the 1stBatch of the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) in Brgy. Agapito Del Rosario. Barangay Mining has achieved drug-cleared status in August 9, 2019. The ACADAC has also conducted drug prevention orientation in Barangays Capaya. Cuayan, Pulung Maragul, and Margot. At least 44 drug surrenderees took skills training program under the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (ACDRRMO) ‘Disaster Preparedness and Response’ last September 16 and 23, 2019; and the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) ‘Basic Fire Response Training last September 18, 2019. There are currently three groups on the ongoing ‘Weekly Plea-Bargaining Report’ where drug offenders report to ACADAC two times per week (Tuesday and Thursday).
There is also an ongoing Community Based Treatment in Barangay Capaya. The City Government also extended full subsidy for Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC 6) that includes 4 patients (3 from Brgy Capaya and 1 Walk-In Referral) at the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center (CLDRC). One female patient was referred to the Sobriety Foundation for Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment and another two patients from Barangays Pandan and Pulung Maragul were referred to the Mariveles Mental Hospital.
The ACADAC has also attended trainings such as determining the parameters on drug-clearing with the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA); and the proper handling of drug surrenderees with DOH Region 3.
There are currently 3,807 individuals under the watchlist of ACADAC and 176 of this number will undergo after-care program. The 176 individuals came from Barangays Agapito del Rosario, Capaya, Salapungan, and Sapalibutad, all of which are moderately affected by the illegal drug menace.
Three barangays have already been declared drug free. These are Barangays Virgen Delos Remedios, Sto. Rosario, and Mining. Seriously affected are Barangays Balibago, Malabanias, Ninoy Aquino, Pampang and Pulung Maragul. The rest of the 25 barangays are moderately affected. Mayor Lazatin will not stop unless Angeles City is drug-cleared.
For the first year in office, Mayor Lazatin has vowed to clear 12 barangays of illegal drugs; another 12 barangays in the 2ndyear and 9 barangays in the 3rdyear. The City Government will provide subsidy to all 33 barangays for the activation of the BADAC. It will also pursue the establishment of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center in Barangay Sta. Teresita.
Youth Development Office and the SK Federation will focus on anti-drug campaign programs among youth sector. The unified drug advocacy program for the youth will give tooth and meaning to the program of Mayor Lazatin to eradicate illegal drugs. A viable youth and sports development program will be integrated into student’s curriculum to discover potential athletes in the field of basketball, volleyball, table tennis, swimming, etc.
On Emergency Preparedness, Traffic, Public Transport
The Angeles City Emergency Disaster Command Center (ACEDCC) attended to 1,253 incidents ranging from vehicular accidents, hit and run, self-inflicted accidents, brawling, altercation, commotion and heavy traffic.
The Angeles City Traffic Development Office reported a collection of P2,311,760 from traffic violations, impounded motor vehicles and towed motor vehicles, all collected in the 3rdQuarter.
The Public Transport and Regulatory Office (PTRO) collected P2,727,055 in the same period from the issuance of Mayor’s Permit for PUJs and tricycles; issuance of Motorized Tricycle Operators Permit for Tricycle (Franchise); issuance of Certificate of Registration for PUJs and MCH Tricycle; and payments for Certified True Copy and Order of Dropping.
On Employment
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) has conducted 20 Local Recruitment Activity (LRA) from July 10, 2019 up to September 1, 2019. 51 applicants were Hired-On-The-Spots (HOTS) out of the 598 registered and referred applicants. Five Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) with five companies deployed 37 successful applicants overseas out of the 833 applicants. The OFW Desk has also repatriated OFW Winnie Dayrit of Barangay Cutud. PESO has also conducted Community Leadership and Financial Literacy Training in various barangays. In July to September 2019, 43 trainees took skills training on dressmaking and beauty care. Some 2,001 students have also attended the Career Guidance Seminars held in various schools in Angeles City.
On Agriculture
Mayor Lazatin wants food security for Angeles City.
Early August, the City Agriculture Office held “Paaralang Walang Dingding – Farmer Fields School Hybrid Model Farm” in Barangay Sapalibutad. Joining the farmers, Mayor Lazatin planted the hybrid rice in the ricefield.
The hybrid rice farming technology is aimed at increasing rice yield as the City Government focuses on food security. The Farmer Fields School Hybrid Rice Production is a 16-week training or informal schooling under a tree where farmers learn hybrid farming technology. 40 farmers have participated in this hybrid rice production seminar.
455 have participated in the technical briefing on vegetable production, organic production and hog production. 10 piglets were also distributed during the animal dispersal and re-dispersal program.
From July to September, 10,243 sachets of vegetables were distributed to 2,998 beneficiaries; 3,060 seedlings were distributed to 249 beneficiaries. A total of 5,141 fruit-bearing trees, ornamental plants, medicinal plants, forest trees and forage seedlings were distributed to 628 beneficiaries.