ENDEARED BY family, friends and constituents as “Cong or Apung Tarzan”. The late Cong. Carmelo “Tarzan” F. Lazatin was a giant in Pampanga politics. He left a mark for almost 30 years of dedicated public service. But Pampanga politics also left its mark on him. Served as representative of the first district of Pampanga for 11 years and Angeles City mayor for nine years and elected Balibago barangay captain at 83 years old. He devoted his life to public life, yet he had an unusual style about politics— few words, more actions and humility— which touched people well beyond the political arena.
Cong Tarzan was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, aside from my boss former congressman and mayor Francis “Blueboy” L. Nepomuceno. Political pundits and observers were hoping for the epic battle between the two but instead forged a formidable alliance in the 2013 national and local elections. Unfortunately, the fickleness of fate conspired against them and lost their bid for mayoral and congressional seats.
I never knew his personal strengths but admired them greatly regardless of our political differences. We had heated legal battles and propaganda war against each other but we weathered them and we weathered the kinds of controversies which I’ve seen poisoned the well for years afterward. But we enjoyed that kind of respect and even cooperation as worthy political opponents and that would not have happened if it weren’t for Cong Tarzan and Cong Blueboy’s strength of character, finesse and maturity. And they always say in Capampangan, “Metung yang aldo ing eleksyun…” It would not have happened if they were not, first and foremost, gentlemen, unfailingly courteous, and respectful. There’s an old Greek proverb that says “the old age of an eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow.” He was a political philosopher who I do not always agree but for whom I have the deepest respect.
Cong Tarzan was an eagle among us. He was one of those with more seniority as congressman, mayor and barangay captain—the oldest barangay captain ever elected in the history of Angeles City—- and more seniority than most Capampangans had ever dream of having. But longevity is not the measure of a man like Cong Tarzan. The longevity that he had was a very small part of why I pay tribute to his 86th birthday, June 28. A tribute he richly deserves not only for the long life he had enjoyed, but for the grand life he had, and an accomplished life. The truth of the matter is the longevity that he had lies in his strength of character and commitment. None of these things are ordinary skills you learn. These are qualities burned deep within leaders like Cong Tarzan, and people who knew him well—CIAC VP IC Calaguas, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, City Administrator Atty. Willie Rivera, Dr. Froilan Canlas, Exec Asst V Raffy Angeles, Exec Asst IV Reina Manuel and many more— can attest to it.
Finally, I must also say Cong Tarzan’s rate or degree in public service is not how long he has lived or how long he has served, but how good he has done, the record of success he has achieved, and the standard of leadership he has set. What he has left us is not about time, it’s about dedicated public service to his constituents. Never stopped. Never gave up. Always fought for his beliefs. Unequivocally. Unashamedly. As a constant force he helped shape the province, the political climate, and sustained his stronghold machinery which unprecedentedly catapulted his sons, Mayor Pogi and Cong Jonjon, to the mayoral and congressional seats synchronously.
Your contribution to progress and development will be long remembered, ”Happy birthday Cong. Tarzan wishing you floods of happiness in heaven. Rest in power.”
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FEEDBACK: (Column entitled, “Blooming urban farming in Angeles City, one of the pandemic’s benefits”)
Retired US Navy Master Chief Bro June G. Centeno: “As my friend Mark AC Sison had mentioned above, “Global air and water pollution has plummeted on many places”—a true statement amidst the increasing people’s awareness of global warming and climate change. When fossil fuel like coal, crude oil, and natural gas
burns, they release a high level of carbon and other greenhouse gases, which in turn trap heat in our atmosphere, making them the primary contributors to global warming and climate change. Urban farming significantly reduces carbon emissions. By localizing produce, urban farms cut down on the significant amount of fossil fuel consumption necessary to transport, package, and sell food. The average meal of a Filipino family has traveled hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometers just to get to their table. Urban farming helps consumers reduce their “food print” by providing them the opportunity to purchase food that was grown within their community.
By virtue of their proximity to consumers, urban farms stimulate local economy by circulating income throughout the region. Without a complicated distribution network, urban farmers are more connected to their market and able to adapt quickly to demand, maximizing profit. In addition, many cooperatives are structured in a way that brings additional benefit to the community and support to low income populations by stabilizing food costs and in many cases, offering discounted or free produce. Increasing populations of people in cities suffer from malnutrition and a variety of other diet-related health issues. Bringing nutritious food to local communities has many direct health benefits, including reducing the risk of harmful conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and more. Involving individuals in the garden itself provides an opportunity for exercise and a deeper connection to agriculture.”
Juden L. Sarmiento, real estate broker: “There were times during the time that went past by, not so long ago, we had gardening in Lourdes Elementary during primary, and during High School at HAU, Tree Planting prior to graduation in college, and community garden in our barrio, and at home, we planted, camote for its tops, aya (local spinach), ampalaya, eggplant, tomatoes, calamansi, malunggay, papaya, bananas, guavas, aside from mangoes and macopa, plus two coconut trees. All in a 450 sqm lot. We had food, natural medicines, and exercise. What is my point? Even when dear Tatang then was in Saudi and remittance was not as reliable as today. We will not go hungry due to the produce of our plants and trees. Then industrialization came where we forgot tending our own gardens. We depended a lot on processed food and local wet markets. Not to forget, the abundance of fast food almost everywhere. Result, diabetes, high blood, high cholesterol levels etc. Yes, in a way I thank COVID, for I imparted to my children, how we must produce our own organic veggies. Our bonding as urban food producers doesnt go up to the point of harvest only, I know it will go a long way… to the next generation. Keep your articles coming Sir Mark. It gives me a point of optimism just by reading them.”