First District Representative Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. has expressed his gratitude for a significant national government allocation aimed at boosting educational infrastructure in Pampanga.
Major Funding Boost for Learning Facilities
The lawmaker thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon for the release of P220 million in funds. This substantial budget is designated for the construction and improvement of 68 daycare centers and 13 computer laboratories across the district.
"I am thankful to President Marcos and Secretary Dizon for their support of our projects in the First District of Pampanga. Foremost among these is our priority to build daycare centers and computer labs," Lazatin stated.
Specific Allocations for Local Governments
Detailed breakdowns of the funding were announced earlier. On January 8, 2025, Lazatin confirmed that the local governments of Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and the municipality of Magalang would each receive P50 million for constructing their respective Child Development Centers (CDC).
Furthermore, additional funds were allotted specifically for technology education. The city government of Mabalacat secured P40 million, while Magalang was granted P30 million. This money is dedicated to building computer laboratories within public high schools in these areas.
Fulfilling a Long-Standing Commitment
This recent fund release aligns with plans Lazatin revealed in August of last year. At that time, he indicated his intention to request approximately P260 million from the DPWH to rehabilitate 173 daycare centers. A separate request for P200 million was intended for constructing computer labs in 19 public high schools.
"With the help of the funds from DPWH, we can begin to fulfill the promise to repair all daycare centers and provide computer labs in public high schools in the First District," Lazatin emphasized.
He highlighted that this initiative is a continuation of his long-term advocacy. "Since I was Mayor of Angeles City and until now as a Representative, our priority has been projects for better learning facilities for our youth," he added.
The successful allocation marks a critical step in upgrading early childhood education and digital literacy resources for students in the First District of Pampanga.
