Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to intensify its monitoring of the Sapangbato Protected Agricultural Land, which includes the vital Watershed in Angeles City.
The lawmaker emphasized that this move is crucial to ensure that no structures are illegally erected within the designated 'no-build' zone. He pointed to past disasters as a stark warning, stating that deforestation has been a common cause.
A Preemptive Measure Against Disaster
"We have already seen that all the disasters that happened were caused by the denudation of mountains and forests. Let us not wait for this to also happen in the first district of Pampanga," Lazatin stated.
He highlighted his proactive approach during his tenure as mayor of Angeles City, where the local government established the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021-2030. This plan officially designates the 546 hectares of land encompassing the Sapangbato Watershed as both a protected agricultural area and a strict no-build zone, explicitly prohibiting any construction.
Seeking Collaborative Enforcement
In a formal letter dated November 11, 2025, Lazatin formally requested the DENR's assistance in the strict implementation of this CLUP to prevent any structures from being built in the protected area.
He is also seeking the cooperation of his brother, current Angeles City Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II, and other city officials to uphold the law. Furthermore, Lazatin called upon the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to carefully consider the environmental impact when approving any development projects on their properties located within this ecologically sensitive zone.
While the Sapangbato Watershed falls under the political jurisdiction of Angeles City, significant parcels of land within it are owned by the BCDA and CDC. Lazatin revealed that during his administration, several establishments, including restaurants and resorts, were ordered closed. These businesses had been constructed through agreements with the BCDA, which violated the city's CLUP.
Reforestation as a Long-Term Solution
Underlining his commitment to the watershed's health, Lazatin reported that his administration, in partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI), spearheaded a major reforestation effort. A total of 145,041 seedlings were planted in the area through this program.
This initiative is backed by scientific evidence. A 2015 report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) confirmed that forests absorb excess rainwater, helping to prevent run-offs and flood damage. A more recent 2025 study by Herath, et al. reinforced this, noting that forest cover acts as a "natural flood defense" by detaining water and reducing the energy of floodwaters, proving the critical importance of preserving areas like the Sapangbato Watershed.
