FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – 68 daycare centers and 13 computer laboratories in the Pampanga First District are set to receive a total of P220 million in funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for year 2026, as announced by Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on January 8, 2026.
Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang Municipality has been allotted with P50 million funding each for the construction of Child Development Centers (CDC) in their respective localities, amounting to a total of P150 million.
Meanwhile, Mabalacat has been allotted with P40 million and Magalang with P30 million for the construction of computer laboratories in public high schools, amounting to a total of P70 million.
“Sa tulong ng pondo mula sa DPWH, mauumpisahan nating tuparin ang pangako na ipaayos ang lahat ng daycare centers at magkaroon ng computer labs sa public high schools sa Unang Distrito,” Lazatin said.
It can be recalled that in August last year, Lazatin revealed that he is set to request the DPWH for P260 million pesos to fund the rehabilitation of all 173 daycare centers and another P200 million pesos to fund the construction of computer labs in 19 public high schools in the First District in 2026.
The repair of the daycare centers shall include the installation of two HP air-conditioners and a smart TV – at least 55 inches in size – in each day care center.
Currently, there are 78 daycare centers in Angeles City, 62 in Mabalacat City, and 33 in Magalang Municipality.
According to Lazatin, funding for the remaining daycare centers not included this year will be requested in next year’s national budget.
“It is always my intention to make learning more conducive by providing a better learning environment, especially to our pre-schoolers,” Lazatin said.
“Even back when I was a City Mayor, my priority has always been schools and learning institutions. This is why it is also our priority in requesting for national funding,” he added.
These projects were discussed during a meeting with District Engineer Arnold Ocampo of the DPWH Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office on August 16, 2025, facilitated by Lazatin’s Chief Adviser, IC Calaguas, and Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel.
It can be recalled that as Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin spearheaded the repair of day care centers, amounting to P5 million, and the construction of 16 computer laboratories in various public high schools in Angeles City worth P50 million.
(File photo shows Cong Pogi during his visit to daycare centers in Mabalacat City in July 2025 to personally distribute school supplies to students, funded out of his own pocket.
