Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has committed to establishing more Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Mabalacat City and Magalang Municipality, assuring local doctors during a roundtable discussion on September 25 that expanding health services remains one of his top priorities.
“Ginawa ko po yan nung Mayor ako ng Angeles, at gagawin din po natin ito para sa Mabalacat at Magalang ngayong Congressman na tayo ng Primero Distrito,” Lazatin said, citing his track record of building and rehabilitating health centers during his term as Angeles City Mayor.
He stressed that the initiative will also support Pampanga leaders, including Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Delta Pineda, Mayor Geld Aquino of Mabalacat, and Mayor Malu Lacson of Magalang.
According to Lazatin, construction may begin once the local governments identify suitable sites for the new RHUs. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the LGUs since additional plantilla for doctors, nurses, dentists, health aides, and administrative staff—as well as increased MOOE—will have to be funded locally.
On August 20, Lazatin announced plans to request ₱40 million for the rehabilitation of existing RHUs in Mabalacat and Magalang by 2026. Under this program, four RHUs in Mabalacat City and two in Magalang Municipality will undergo repair and upgrading to meet Department of Health (DOH) standards.
The Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020–2040 sets a target of one RHU or health center per 20,000 people. Currently, Mabalacat and Magalang remain underserved in terms of health infrastructure.
As Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin spearheaded the construction and rehabilitation of barangay health centers, increasing the number to 15 by the end of his term—roughly one center per 30,000 residents.
Present during the discussion were Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel, Dr. Inee P. David of DOH Region 3, Angeles City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra, RHU physicians from both towns, and other health officials.
