FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – As he seeks the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in monitoring the ‘no-build’ zone at the Sapangbato Protected Agricultural Land, Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. also calls on members of the media and the local community to lend their watchful eyes for the Sapangbato watershed.
“Hindi po natin kayang bantayan ang Sapangbato ng mag-isa, kailangan po nating ang tulong ng lahat ng miyembro ng komunidad at pati ng media para maging mapagbantay na walang magtatayo ng struktura sa protected ‘no-build’ zone sa Sapangbato watershed,” Lazatin said.
During Lazatin’s time as Mayor, Angeles City passed its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021-2030 designating the 546 hectares of land covering the Sapangbato Watershed as a ‘protected agricultural land’ and ‘no-build zone’ that prohibits the construction of buildings within the area.
In a letter dated November 11, Lazatin asked the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) and the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) Pampanga Chapter to help in “monitoring the construction of buildings in the protected area within Sapangbato, which violates Angeles City’s CLUP and Zoning Ordinance.”
“Huwag na nating hintayin na masalanta tayo ng sakuna, we have to act now to protect our environment the same way it protects us against natural disasters,” Lazatin said.
“Now, more than ever, our community has to unite in our efforts to protect the Sapangbato watershed – before it’s too late,” he added.
Concerned citizens may report unauthorized construction within the Sapangbato protected area to Lazatin’s office through mobile number 0932 888 2145.
They may also submit their reports to the officials of Barangay Sapangbato, to the Angeles LGU through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), or to the DENR.
Lazatin is also seeking the assistance of the Angeles City LGU, led by his brother, Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, in strictly implementing the CLUP and Zoning Ordinance.
Likewise, Pogi Lazatin called on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to thoroughly consider the environmental impact when approving development projects on their property located within the ‘protected area.’
As City Mayor, Pogi Lazatin ordered the closure of several establishments, including restaurants and resorts, that were found erected in the ‘protected area’ through an agreement between the establishment owners and the BCDA – in violation of Angeles City’s CLUP.
Under Pogi Lazatin’s administration, a total of 145,041 seedlings have been planted in the Sapangbato watershed through the reforestation program of the Angeles LGU in partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI).