ANGELES CITY— Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on December 11, 2023 received the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award in the field of Government Service for his “exemplary achievements and contributions to the betterment of the Kapampangan race.”
The award was handed over by Second District Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Fourth District Board Member Rolando Balingit, Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera-Bagasina, also 2012 MOKA awardee, and Provincial Accountant Kathleen Sigua during the ceremonies at Kingsborough International Convention Center.
“Your father, my beloved friend, Tarzan, will be so proud of you, Pogi,” Former President and Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said to Lazatin, where she was also a guest.
“I was not expecting to get this award because public service is the nature of my job as the City Mayor of Angeles,” Mayor Lazatin said.
Mayor Lazatin’s governance in Angeles City focuses on peace and order; accessible public health; business-friendly; reforestation of Angeles City Watershed; culture and tourism; accessible and quality education for all; housing program for urban poor; and social welfare programs.
Lazatin, during his two-term administration, was also able to bag various awards and recognitions including Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2023, Gawad Makabata Award 2023, SubayBAYANI 2023, 23rd Gawad Kalasag, Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance 2022, and Good Financial Housekeeping in 2022.
“I just learned that my grandfather. ‘Apung Feleng’ and my father ‘Tarzan’ Lazatin were both MOKA recipients. This is why it is a great privilege to be recognized, especially by the MOKA committee,” Mayor Lazatin furthered.
It could be remembered that in 2004, Mayor Lazatin’s late grandfather, the then assemblyman, provincial governor, and city mayor Rafael “Apung Feleng” Lazatin was bestowed with the same award and accorded the title “Ibpa Ning Katahimikan” for his peace advocacy for the province of Pampanga.
Mayor Lazatin’s late father, the then First District Rep. Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin was also chosen for the same award in 2011, also in the field of Government Service.