42 FORMER BARANGAY CHAIRMEN, 369 EX-KAGAWADS BACK LAZATIN’S CONGRESSIONAL BID

BY KEVIN GALANG

FORTY-TWO former village chiefs and 369 ex-barangay kagawads vowed to support the plan of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. to run for congressman of Pampanga.

The former barangay officials expressed their support during a lunch time gathering held on July 4 at Century Hotel in Angeles City, where Lazatin announced his candidacy.

Lazatin reiterated the core tenet of his legislative agenda “no one will be left behind’  and assured the former barangay officials that he will reach all sectors of society with his service.

“Ito po ang bibitawan kong pangako — sa aking paninilbihan, ‘no one will be left behind.’ Lahat ng sektor ng lipunan sa buong distrito ay aabutin ng ating serbisyo at paninilbihan,” Lazatin said.

On June 28, Lazatin first declared his candidacy in front of some 1,800 guests at the Magalang Plaza, 856 of which are incumbent barangay captains and barangay councilors of the first district of Pampanga.

Lazatin’s June 28 declaration of candidacy was the biggest political event in the history of the first district of Pampanga in terms of logistics and preparation, which was attended by all the political leaders of the first district, including Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, District Rep. Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta “Vicky” Vega Cabigting, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, and Magalang Mayor Malu Lacson.

Also present in the event were representatives from various civic sectors, including solo parents, persons with disability (PWD), women, LGBTQ, farmers, indigenous people, public transport, and the Muslim community.

Lazatin’s legislative agenda highlights seven main areas: Health; Economy and Livelihood; Vulnerable and Marginalized Sectors (Children, Youth, Women, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs), Solo Parents, and LGBTQ); Environment; Education; Transportation; and Barangays.