On December 16, 2024, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. led a significant initiative to support sports development in the city. Mayor Lazatin distributed essential basketball equipment, including scoreboards, basketballs, and rings, to the local government officials and residents of Barangay Sapalibutad. The event aimed to encourage physical activity and foster community engagement through sports.
The distribution was organized to provide much-needed resources for the barangay’s sports program. Punong Barangay Cristina Pineda, who heads Barangay Sapalibutad, expressed her gratitude for the assistance and emphasized the importance of such donations in promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle among the community members. The new equipment is expected to enhance the facilities available to residents and inspire youth to get involved in sports.
In attendance alongside Mayor Lazatin was Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Irish Bonus-Llego, who also played a key role in facilitating the event. Both officials underscored the importance of the city’s commitment to providing necessary resources for the development of local communities. By promoting sports activities, the city hopes to improve not just physical health but also the social cohesion of its residents.
Barangay Sapalibutad, one of the city’s progressive communities, has been proactive in organizing various recreational and sports activities for its residents. The new basketball equipment will allow the barangay to hold more structured events, from friendly games to organized leagues, encouraging a sense of teamwork and discipline among participants.
The initiative is also part of Mayor Lazatin’s ongoing effort to promote inclusive growth across the city. By providing barangays with the tools they need to succeed, the local government ensures that all communities have access to the resources necessary for sports development. This is in line with the mayor’s vision of creating a city that prioritizes the welfare and well-being of its citizens.
The donation was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the barangay officials and residents alike. With the new equipment, the youth of Sapalibutad are expected to engage in more sporting activities, which can help them stay fit and avoid the pitfalls of idle time. Furthermore, sports events can serve as a unifying activity that brings together different age groups within the community.
Mayor Lazatin concluded the event by reiterating his commitment to further support the barangays with similar initiatives, emphasizing that the development of sports programs is an essential aspect of community building. This gesture aligns with his vision of empowering residents and making Angeles City a model of progress and unity.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
