Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. will once again honor outstanding learners across the First District of Pampanga through the annual awarding of Medals of Excellence to top-performing elementary and high school students from both public and private schools in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang.

The recognition program, which Lazatin began in 2019 during his first term as Angeles City Mayor, continues a long-standing tradition of academic excellence championed by his late father, Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, who previously served as Angeles City Mayor and Pampanga First District Representative.

Eligible awardees will be selected from the Top 10 percent of graduating students in each school and evaluated based on a set of criteria: 40 percent for academic excellence in Mathematics, Science, Computer/Information Technology, and English; 25 percent for organizational involvement within and outside campus; 15 percent for leadership history; 10 percent for campus contribution; 5 percent for the call of the student body; and 5 percent for faculty preference.

Endorsement letters were distributed to 280 public and private elementary and high schools in the district on February 16, 2026. School administrators have until March 13, 2026 to submit their nominees to the congressman’s office.

The distribution of medals is scheduled to begin after the graduation ceremonies.