ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. recognized the significant contributions of the Filipino-Chinese (Fil-Chi) community to the city’s economic and social development as he hosted the first-ever Chinese New Year luncheon on January 29, 2025. The event served as a celebration of the community’s efforts in boosting the local economy, with Lazatin expressing his gratitude for their enduring partnership in shaping the city’s progress.
The luncheon was organized in collaboration with Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, who played a key role in initiating the event. During the gathering, Mayor Lazatin reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering inclusive governance and promoting public-private partnerships. He also noted that while his term as mayor is nearing its end, the Chinese New Year luncheon was a first for Angeles City, highlighting the event’s significance.
In his speech, Mayor Lazatin highlighted several achievements of his administration, particularly in the area of business and economic growth. He emphasized that despite global challenges, the city maintained stable business and property tax rates, contributing to a steady increase in the city’s annual budget. This success, according to the mayor, was largely due to the strong commitment of local businesses to pay their taxes.
The mayor also took the opportunity to discuss key initiatives aimed at advancing sustainability and public safety in Angeles City. He highlighted the installation of solar panels across government buildings, barangays, and healthcare facilities, which has helped reduce energy consumption. With 1,500 streetlights now powered by solar energy, the city continues to make strides in its green initiatives.
In terms of public safety, Mayor Lazatin underscored the expansion of the city’s 24/7 CCTV network, which enhances monitoring capabilities across Angeles City. Additionally, he introduced the Angeleño Alerto 24/7 Mobile App – POGI (Personal On-Call Guard Interface), a tool designed to improve emergency response and public service delivery.
Mayor Lazatin also provided updates on ongoing infrastructure and healthcare projects. He shared that Belen Homesite Elementary School is being transformed into the city’s first fully solar-powered public school. Furthermore, the seven-story expansion of the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) is underway, which will significantly enhance access to healthcare services. The mayor also mentioned that six new primary healthcare centers are being constructed, expanding the city’s healthcare infrastructure to a total of 15 facilities.
In closing, Mayor Lazatin assured the attendees that despite his remaining five months in office, his dedication to delivering quality services to the residents of Angeles City would not diminish. He expressed his optimism for continued growth through collaboration and innovation and wished everyone a prosperous Chinese New Year.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
