LAZATIN MARKS PERFECT HOUSE ATTENDANCE

BY KEVIN GALANG

PAMPANGA 1^st district Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has achieved perfect attendance in all regular sessions and committee meetings during his first 100 days in the 20th Congress.

Based on a certification issued by House Secretary General attorney Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Lazatin was present in all 14 regular sessions held from July 28 to September 17, 2025.

Lazatin also attended all 11 committee meetings of the panels he is a member of, including the Committees on Bases Conversion, Basic Education and Culture, Games and Amusements, Public Works and Highways, and Transportation.

He currently serves as vice chairperson of both the Committee on Games and Amusements and the Committee on Transportation.

“As a former city councilor, I have six years of experience as a legislator under my belt. However, I still have a lot to learn as a first-time Congressman, so I prioritize attending all regular sessions and committee meetings,” Lazatin said.

Lazatin began his political career as Angeles City councilor in 2013, serving two terms and authoring landmark measures such as City Ordinance No. 364, which regulates the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam, and City Ordinance No. 456, which requires business establishments to implement greening programs.

He went on to serve as mayor of Angeles City for two terms starting in 2019, where he became known for his hands-on leadership—frequently visiting barangays and personally inspecting ongoing projects.

Among his notable initiatives as mayor were the “Walang Plastikan: Plastic Palit Bigas” program, which allowed residents to exchange one kilo of plastic waste for a kilo of rice, and the reforestation of the Angeles Watershed in Bgy. Sapangbato.

Now representing the First District of Pampanga in Congress, Lazatin’s legislative agenda focuses on seven key areas: health, economy and livelihood, vulnerable and marginalized sectors, environment, education, transportation, and barangay development.

The Pampanga solon said his guiding principle in public service remains “Alang Malakwan,” ensuring that government programs reach people from all sectors and walks of life.