Pampanga Lawmaker Leads Inspection of Sapangbato Watershed No-Build Zone

Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. led an inspection at the Sapangbato Watershed in Angeles City to assess compliance with the designated “No Build Zone.” Lazatin emphasized the importance of preventing new construction and deforestation within the protected area.\n\n"We must ensure that no new structures are erected and no trees are cut down within the Sapangbato Watershed's protected zone," Lazatin stated.\n\nThe inspection was conducted alongside officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), the Angeles City local government, Lazatin's Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel, and members of the media.\n\nOn November 11, 2025, Lazatin filed House Resolution No. 446, which calls on the DENR to oversee proper implementation of the Angeles City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), particularly in relation to safeguarding protected agricultural lands and the no-build areas of Sapangbato.\n\nHe also urged the Angeles City government to actively enforce the CLUP provisions to prevent encroachments. Lazatin further appealed to the media and local residents to report any illegal construction activities within the protected watershed.\n\nHighlighting the significance of community involvement, Lazatin said, "We have witnessed how deforestation in other towns has exacerbated flooding during storms. Now more than ever, we must unite our efforts to protect the Sapangbato Watershed."\n\nAdditionally, on November 12, Lazatin joined the House Special Committee on Reforestation, which deals with policies addressing forest loss and supports community-driven reforestation initiatives aimed at sustainable environmental management.\n\nThis series of measures underscores a concerted drive to safeguard vital natural resources and mitigate disaster risks through collaborative governance and civic participation.