Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has appointed Michael Raymon “Mike” Pangilinan as the new head of the Kapampangan Language Office (Sídduan ning Amánung Sísuan), the office responsible for implementing Angeles City’s Kapampangan language ordinance.

Mayor Lazatin explained that Pangilinan’s appointment aligns with the city government’s goal to promote the Kapampangan language, culture, and heritage.

“I have long known Pangilinan’s dedication to preserving our Amanung Sisuan,” Lazatin said. “As Angeleños, we should be the first to support our Kapampangan culture and language.”

In 2021, Mayor Lazatin wrote to Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, urging the Sangguniang Panglungsod to assist in enforcing Ordinance No. 424, series of 2017, which establishes Kapampangan as an official language of Angeles City alongside national languages and institutionalizes its use in all sectors.

Mayor Lazatin highlighted that the initiative is intended to preserve, revitalize, and promote Kapampangan language use in the city. He also called on media outlets, including TV, radio, and print, to support the Amanung Sisuan by raising public awareness to ensure that future generations of Kapampangans can continue to embrace the city’s language and culture.

The city council, led by Vice Mayor Vega-Cabigting, has already taken steps to reinforce Kapampangan through resolutions written in the Amanung Sisuan. Additionally, Kapampangan-language traffic signs were installed along major city roads, including the McArthur Highway and Fil-Am Friendship Circumferential Road, in September 2021.

Mayor Lazatin noted that these signage installations, a first for Angeles City and Pampanga province-wide, are part of ongoing efforts to preserve the Kapampangan language and enhance motorist safety in the area.