The Angeles City government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., provided P5,000 cash assistance to each of the 600 families displaced from Sitio Balubad, Barangay Anunas. The assistance was distributed on Monday, December 17, 2024, at the Mayor’s Office, with the city allotting a total of P3 million for the aid.
Mayor Lazatin assured the former residents of Sitio Balubad that the city government would continue to prioritize their welfare following their eviction from the area in March. He emphasized that the assistance was part of the city’s ongoing support for the displaced families.
Earlier this year, Mayor Lazatin facilitated the relocation of the 600 families to Magalang town, where they have been allocated approximately 600 lots. The relocation is part of the city’s efforts to provide stable housing for its displaced residents.
City Councilor and Angeles City Human Settlement and Urban Development Officer Atty. Arvin Suller explained that the initial plan was to allocate 45 square meters per family, but this was later increased to 50 square meters at the residents’ request.
“The original plan was 45 square meters per household, but it was adjusted to 50 square meters following the request of the beneficiaries,” Suller said.
Mayor Lazatin confirmed that a 3.8-hectare site in Magalang has been identified to accommodate the relocated families, based on a recent mapping by the Angeles City government.
Lazatin also emphasized his commitment to the city’s socialized housing program, which aims to assist homeless residents across the First Congressional District of Pampanga, which includes Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang. He stressed that no one should be without shelter and vowed to continue pursuing this program for the benefit of local communities.
The residents of Sitio Balubad were evicted earlier this year from a 73-hectare property reclaimed by its owner, Clarkhills Properties Corporation. Their Certificates of Land Ownership Awards were cancelled by the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board, which allowed Clarkhills to take control of the land.
Each relocated family will receive a 50-square-meter lot in Magalang, providing them with the opportunity to own their own land. The city government has been working on the relocation process to ensure a smooth transition for the affected families.
“I have never abandoned the residents of Sitio Balubad and will continue to support them as long as I can,” Mayor Lazatin said.
