Efforts to rebuild the fire-damaged Pampang Public Market are moving swiftly, with First District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. seeking P300 million in 2027 funding for the reconstruction of the affected areas.

Lazatin said on September 17, a day after the fire, that he had requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, to allocate the funds under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with the concurrence of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.

“Babangon muli ang Pampang Public Market,” Lazatin said as he expressed solidarity with the market vendors, their families and workers affected by the fire.

“Kasama po ninyo ako sa inyong pagbangon,” he added.

Lazatin immediately inspected the market with DPWH District Engineer Cezar Abella and Engr. Sheryl Faustino to assess the extent of the damage.

He also urged the DPWH to coordinate with the Angeles City Engineer’s Office to expedite the repair and reconstruction of the affected sections.

Lazatin said he also coordinated with Mayor Jon Lazatin to mobilize efforts to help the city rebuild the market as soon as possible.

“Ang Pampang Market ay hindi lang simpleng palengke, parte ito ng araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Angeleño at lahat ng mga nakatira sa karatig bayan na namamalengke rin dito,” he said.

The latest fire came less than two years after the inauguration of the P400-million modernized Pampang Public Market building on November 29, 2024, which Lazatin spearheaded during his tenure as Angeles City mayor.

The modernized structure replaced the original market, which was destroyed by a fire in 2020.

With reconstruction funding now being pursued, authorities are moving to assess the damage and fast-track plans to restore the market, a major trading hub serving Angeles City and nearby communities.