Lazatin to convene LGBTQ+ advisory council; strengthen programs


by Pablito Galvez

ANGELES CITY — Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is set to convene the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, to revisit, enhance, and strengthen the policies and programs designated for the sector’s general welfare and protection.

The members of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council are Vice Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting (Co-Chairman); Councilor Joan Crystal DJ Aguas, also the LGBTQ+`1 Committee Chair; Angeles (Secretariat); Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles; City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra; Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center Hospital Director Dr. Froilan Canlas; PESO Manager Ferdinand Calma; Reproductive Health and Wellness Center; City Legal Officer Atty. Ralph Macalino; City Budget Officer Jane Nakpil; Angeles City Sports Office Head Maeve Mendiola; President of LGBTQ+ Association in Angeles City; and two accredited LGBTQ+ Organizations in the city.

This after Mayor Lazatin, with Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, on July 18, 2024 initially met with Angeles City LGBTQ+ Officer-in-Charge Jhune Angeles at the Mayor’s Office Conference Room, in line with the initiative of Mayor Lazatin to convene the Advisory Council.

They were also joined by Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel and Public Employment and Services Office staff Irene Bianson during the meeting.

Mayor Lazatin also reiterated that he wants to strictly reinforce the city’s LGBTQ Ordinance of 2019, especially in harmonizing all programs and initiatives for the sector and promote their employment, education, livelihood, and health.

To recall, it was during the stint of Mayor Lazatin, that the city government first created an LGBTQ+ Office.

“We wanted to extend every assistance to them and recognize their importance in the city’s development, as well to promote them as individuals and members of the community,” Lazatin said.

52