Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has urged the public and media to help monitor the ‘no-build’ zone at the Sapangbato Protected Agricultural Land in Angeles City.

Lazatin made the appeal as he sought the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in ensuring compliance with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021–2030, which designates the 546-hectare Sapangbato Watershed as a protected area prohibiting any form of construction.

“Hindi po natin kayang bantayan ang Sapangbato ng mag-isa. Kailangan po natin ang tulong ng komunidad at media upang masigurong walang magtatayo ng istruktura sa protected zone,” Lazatin said.

In a letter dated November 11, Lazatin asked the Pampanga Press Club and the Central Luzon Media Association–Pampanga Chapter to assist in monitoring and reporting illegal constructions within the protected area, citing violations of the city’s CLUP and Zoning Ordinance.

He also called on the Angeles City government under Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to ensure strict enforcement and environmental consideration in approving developments within the area.

Lazatin, who previously served as Angeles City Mayor, implemented the closure of several establishments found operating inside the protected zone and launched a reforestation program that planted over 145,000 seedlings in Sapangbato through the city’s partnership with ARAW-ACI.

Concerned citizens may report unauthorized constructions to Lazatin’s office at 0932-888-2145, the Barangay Sapangbato officials, the Angeles CENRO, or the DENR.

📸 Photos show posters installed in the Sapangbato Watershed during Lazatin’s term as Mayor, marking the area as a protected “no-build” zone.