FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., on November 11, 2025, filed House Resolution No. 446 directing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strictly monitor the implementation of the Angeles City Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021-2030 with respect to the protected agricultural land and ‘no build’ zone in Barangay Sapangbato, Angeles City.
The Angeles City CLUP identified a total of 546 hectares of land located in the upland areas of Barangay Sapangbato as ‘protected agricultural land’ based on the delineation provided by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAAD).
The identified upland areas are designated as a ‘no build’ zone, which prohibits the construction of buildings within the area.
Under HR No. 446, the DENR shall be directed to strictly monitor the implementation of the Angeles City CLUP, with respect to the prohibition of erecting structures within the protected ‘no build’ zone.
The filing of HR No. 446 comes after the devastating floods during Typhoon Tino that left at least 204 dead, 109 missing, and 156 injured as of November 9, 2025.
One of the hardest hit areas is Cebu, where the high number of casualties has been partly attributed to the torrential rains and flash floods allegedly aggravated by an upscale hillside development project.
“Nakita na natin na lahat ng sakuna na nangyari ay dulot ng pagkalbo sa mga bundok at kagubatan – huwag na nating hintayin pa na mangyari din ito sa Unang Distrito ng Pampanga,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also called on members of the community and the media to aid in watching out for construction projects violating the Angeles City CLUP and the ‘no build’ zone.
“Hindi po natin kayang bantayan ang Sapangbato ng mag-isa, kailangan po nating ang tulong ng lahat ng miyembro ng komunidad at pati ng media para maging mapagbantay na walang magtatayo ng struktura sa protected ‘no-build’ zone sa Sapangbato watershed,” Lazatin said.
“Now, more than ever, our community has to unite in our efforts to protect the Sapangbato watershed – before it’s too late,” he added.
Concerned citizens may report unauthorized construction within the Sapangbato protected area to Lazatin’s office through mobile number 0932 888 2145.
They may also submit their reports to the officials of Barangay Sapangbato, to the Angeles LGU through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), or to the DENR.
