The Angeles City Government has been officially declared a Drug-Free Workplace, following the approval of Resolution No. 001, Series of 2025 by the Angeles City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ACADAC) on June 20.
The resolution was moved by PDEA Pampanga’s IA III Amir M. Estanislao and seconded by City Information Officer-in-Charge Arnel San Pedro. It was later signed by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., Angeles City Police Director PCOL Joselito E. Villarosa, and ACADAC Secretariat Head Richard Alan E. Saul.
As he nears the end of his term, Mayor Lazatin emphasized that the declaration is more than just compliance.
“This is a legacy. Discipline and accountability must begin within the government. I am proud to leave behind a City Hall that is safe, clean, and committed to the future,” he said.
Mayor Lazatin thanked ACADAC members, PDEA, and the Angeles City Police Office for their unity and dedication in achieving this milestone.
The recognition affirms the city’s adherence to national anti-drug mandates, including Republic Act 9165 and other related regulations, which require implementation of workplace drug policies and testing.
Under Mayor Lazatin’s term, mandatory drug testing was conducted for all 4,491 City Hall employees. Those who tested positive were rehabilitated through the Balay Silangan Reformation Program, and referred to the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center in Magalang, Pampanga.
The city also expanded testing to 5,790 barangay officials and over 12,800 public transport drivers through “Oplan Harabas,” based on PDEA’s national program.
Mayor Lazatin also established Angeles City’s first LGU-run Balay Silangan Reformation Center, supervised by his chief adviser and former PDEA Deputy Director General IC Calaguas. So far, 524 individuals have completed the rehabilitation program.
