ANGELES CITY – “Green spaces are essential to sustainable urban living.”
Thus, said Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on November 18, 2025 as he filed House Bill No. 6170, which mandates the development of “green spaces” in barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces.
“Green spaces” shall refer to open spaces that are designed with soft landscaping (living elements, such as plants, trees, and grass) and hard landscaping (non-living materials, such as walls, fences, driveways, and patios) intended for leisure, recreation, and promenade.
“Green spaces” are intended to provide environmental support and promote both physical and mental aspects of human well-being, especially among urban dwellers.
Under HB 6170, the building and maintenance of “green spaces” shall be included in the beautification and environmental program of every LGU, consistent with national policy.
HB 6170 also prohibits the cutting of trees and plants within ‘green spaces’ unless authorized for reasons of public safety or health, and in accordance with permits and clearances required by laws and regulations.
Littering and vandalism of structures within the ‘green spaces’ shall also be strictly prohibited, including improper disposal of waste, illegal dumping, and destruction of landscaping or park furniture.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of nine square meters of ‘green space’ per person within a 15-minute walking distance, yet many urban areas in the country fall short of this benchmark.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the country has roughly 12,152 hectares of urban ‘green spaces,’ however, as of 2020, about 54% of the population lived in urban areas.
By mid-2025, the population is estimated to be at 116.8 million in urban areas.
Based on these figures, the existing urban ‘green spaces’ are inadequate to serve the populace.
“Green spaces help enhance public health, mitigate heat and flood risks, and provide accessible opportunities for recreation and contact with nature. Recent extreme weather and disaster events underscore the urgency of investing in resilient, well-distributed green spaces in urban areas,” Lazatin said.
During his time as Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin launched the ‘Pogi ing Barangay Ku’ contest among the 33 barangays of Angeles City in 2022.
Officially known as the ‘Gawad Parangal sa mga Pinakamalinis, Luntian, Ligtas, at Kaaya-ayang Pamayanan,’ the contest encouraged sustainable practices in barangays to elevate standards in cleanliness, peace and order, and environmental stewardship.
The contest was held yearly from 2022 to 2024 and awarded the City’s top barangays on several indicators, including cleanliness, sustainability, safety, environmental management, disaster preparedness, and community engagement.
