On December 12, 2024, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. led the distribution of livelihood assistance to 100 indigent beneficiaries under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Each beneficiary received P10,000 as part of the program aimed at providing sustainable economic opportunities for residents. The assistance was extended to individuals from all 33 barangays of Angeles City, empowering them to improve their livelihoods.
The livelihood assistance distribution follows the city’s recognition at the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards, where Angeles City’s Walang Plastikan: Plastic Palit Bigas Project was ranked among the Top 17 out of 101 entries nationwide. As a result of this recognition, the city was awarded the livelihood funding by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The initiative is part of the city’s continuous effort to support and uplift the lives of its most vulnerable residents.
During the distribution ceremony, Mayor Lazatin was joined by retired City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Edna Duaso and the current CSWDO Officer-in-Charge, Francis De Guzman. Together, they handed over the financial aid to the beneficiaries, who were deeply grateful for the support. Mayor Lazatin emphasized that the assistance is not just a financial boost but also an investment in the future of the community, encouraging recipients to use the funds to create lasting opportunities for themselves and their families.
“This assistance is not just financial support but an investment in the future of our community,” Mayor Lazatin stated. He reiterated the city’s commitment to creating lasting change and empowering Angeleños through various livelihood initiatives. The distribution of funds underscores the mayor’s dedication to improving the quality of life for the city’s residents and creating a more resilient community.
The livelihood assistance program is just one component of Mayor Lazatin’s broader efforts to support local residents. One of his flagship programs is the city-run OTOP (One Town, One Product) store, which provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to market and sell their products. Through OTOP, the city helps foster a culture of entrepreneurship and promotes the talents and crafts of Angeleños, creating additional economic opportunities.
In addition, the city’s Walang Plastikan: Plastic Palit Bigas Project continues to make strides in promoting sustainable waste management. Through this initiative, the city has successfully collected over 4 million kilos of plastic waste, which residents have exchanged for rice. The collected plastic is then converted into cement and bricks, benefiting the community while also addressing the city’s environmental challenges.
Mayor Lazatin’s ongoing commitment to sustainable livelihood programs, waste management, and local entrepreneurship reflects his administration’s dedication to building a stronger, more self-sufficient community. With projects like these, the city continues to create a more inclusive environment where residents can thrive and contribute to the city’s growth.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
