Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on Oct. 15, 2024 is calling on Angeleños to help him in safeguarding the Watershed in Barangay Sapangbato here.
The Sapangbato Watershed is the city’s resource to prevent flooding and ensure the availability of clean water.
“I am appealing to all Angeleños to be vigilant and help us protect the Sapangbato Watershed,” Lazatin said. “If you see any illegal activities within the watershed—whether construction or any action that could harm the environment—report it immediately to the city government. The future of our water supply and the safety of our community depend on it.”
In a recent statement, Mayor Lazatin underscored the importance of the Watershed’s protection, and its vital role to sustain the city’s environmental balance.
The area, which has been designated as non-buildable in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance, faces the threat of illegal construction activities that could endanger its stability and the safety of Angeleños.
Lazatin also ordered a composite inspection of the Watershed to shut down any ongoing illegal constructions.
After the inspection of the team composed of City Engineer’s Office, Office of the City Building Official, City Planning and Development Office, and City Environment and Natural Resources Offices, six business establishments were shut down; while two residential houses were given cease to desist order for their ongoing construction.
According to BPLD Head Enrico Romero, the six establishments that were shut down – three restaurants, and three resorts — are all operating without business permits.
The city government, which has planted over 100,000 trees in the watershed area as part of its reforestation efforts since 2019, remains committed to ensure that the Watershed stays protected.
“The protection of the Angeles City Watershed is not only for today but for the next generations. We must act now to preserve it,” Lazatin added.
Part of Lazatin’s priority programs since he took office is the massive reforestation of the Sapangbato Watershed, which has been supervised by his Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel.