ANGELES CITY – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin remains steadfast in his call that no new structure or building should be built in the Sapangbato protected area.
“Dapat nating siguraduhin na wala ng bagong structure o building ang itatayo sa protected area ng Sapangbato Watershed at huwag ng magputol o magbawas ng puno sa lugar,” Lazatin said during the joint inspection of the area conducted by his office together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Angeles City LGU, and members of the media on Nov. 20.
“Ang Angeles City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021-2030 ay ipinasa noong panahon natin bilang Angeles City Mayor. Sa ilalim ng CLUP, ang 546 hectares of land covering Sapangbato Watershed ay designated as ‘protected agricultural land’ and “no-build zone’ – construction of buildings within the area is prohibited,” Lazatin said.
“As City Mayor, I previously ordered the closure of several establishments that were found erected in the ‘protected area’ in violation of the CLUP. Our goal now is that no additional structures or buildings are constructed,” he added.
On November 11, Lazatin filed House Resolution No. 446 directing the DENR to strictly monitor the implementation of the Angeles City CLUP with respect to the protected agricultural land and ‘no build’ zone in Sapangbato.
Lazatin also reached out to the Angeles City LGU to seek their assistance in strictly implementing the CLUP, and for members of the media ang the community to watch for and report any illegal construction in the protected area.
Lazatin emphasized the need for collective effort from the whole community to protect the Sapangbato Watershed.
“Nakita natin sa nangyari sa mga ibang bayan nitong nakalipas na bagyo – ang pagkalbo ng kabundukan ay may direct effect sa paglala ng pagbaha. Now, more than ever, our community has to combine our efforts to protect the Sapangbato Watershed,” he said.
On November 12, 2025, Lazatin has been named as one of the members of the House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Reforestation, which is responsible for handling all matters directly relating to policies and programs on reforestation, including the effects of forest denudation, and other actions to ensure the implementation of a sustained community-based nationwide reforestation program.
