Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.’s Chief Political Officer Reina Manuel on Sept. 15, 2025 met with Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid to discuss the strengthening of tourism infrastructure in Pampanga’s First District.
The meeting centered on the growing wellness, leisure, and cultural industries in the district, with Magalang, Angeles City, and Mabalacat continuing to emerge as prime destinations for spas, nature resorts, heritage experiences, and culinary tourism.
Manuel emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism projects that would not only highlight the district’s diverse natural and cultural assets but also create jobs and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
“As Cong. Pogi said, our First District holds so much potential to become a premier wellness and cultural hub in Central Luzon. By working hand in hand with TIEZA, we aim to develop infrastructure that supports inclusive growth while preserving the unique character of our communities. Ito rin naman po ang isa sa mga programang panturismo na nais isulong ni Cong. Pogi,” Manuel said.
Manuel furthered that she will also coordinate closely with the respective local government counterparts to align tourism efforts with their development vision and ongoing initiatives.
On behalf of the Office of Cong. Lazatin, Manuel expressed gratitude to Lapid for his time and support in exploring joint efforts for the district’s tourism growth.
Lapid, for his part, welcomed the initiative and underscored TIEZA’s continuing thrust to expand tourism opportunities outside traditional urban centers, particularly in provinces with strong cultural identity such as Pampanga.
A former Pampanga Governor (2004–2007), Lapid also served as TIEZA Chief Operating Officer from 2016 to 2017 before being reappointed in 2023. His leadership has been marked by programs that boost countryside tourism, revitalize heritage sites, and champion Kapampangan culture on the national stage.
Under his watch, TIEZA has advanced initiatives such as the development of eco-tourism parks, the rehabilitation of heritage landmarks, the expansion of tourism enterprise zones, and the construction of access roads leading to prime destinations.
Lapid has consistently advocated for sustainable and inclusive tourism, promoting projects that balance economic growth with cultural preservation.
Manuel, on the other hand, carries with her a proven track record of tourism leadership, having supervised the Angeles City Tourism Office with Chief Adviser IC Calaguas since Cong. Lazatin’s term as Mayor from 2019 to 2025.
Under her supervision, Angeles City pioneered initiatives that strengthened Kapampangan heritage and creativity, such as the installation of Kapampangan traffic signages, the revival of traditional festivities including Reyna de las Flores and the Kambal Festival, and the hosting of the grandest Mutya Ning Angeles.
Manuel likewise championed cultural spaces through the construction of the Santungan Kapampangan artist hub and the launch of Kapebaluan, the city-run café showcasing locally-produced Angeleño coffee.
Angeles City, through her guidance, also had regular art exhibits in malls that promoted homegrown artists, while culinary excellence was recognized globally when the city was named “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2024” by the World Culinary Awards.
These efforts earned Angeles back-to-back wins as 1st Runner-Up in the Top Tourist Destination–City Category at the prestigious TRES Awards in 2023 and 2024.
