ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., who is seeking re-election, has vowed to focus on economic recovery and health amid the COVID-19 health crisis.
The health crisis has affected various industries in this city including tourism, hospitality, and creative arts that left hundreds if not thousands jobless.
“Once given a fresh mandate, my administration would be aggressive on economic recovery by creating a technical working group that will assess and determine weak points, strengthening support programs not only limited to promotions,” said Lazatin during a press conference in Angeles City.
He said the coronavirus pandemic has brought about many changes to the way people do business and that “we would like to make a review of the city Investment Code to adapt to these changes.”
Lazatin and his entire team on Friday filed their certificate of candidacies (COCs) before the Commission on Elections.
Except for Rodelio Mamac, Jr, Aaron Pineda, Raco Del Rosario and CJ Ponce, the rest are all re-electionists including Pampanga First Dist Congressman Jonjon Lazatin, Vice Mayor Vicenta Kabigting, Councilors Jesus Sangil, Alfie Bonifacio, Dan Lacson, lawyer Pogs Suller, and JC Parker Aguas.
Team Lazatin is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and the local political party “Kambilan.”
Lazatin said part of his three-year program is the rehabilitation of the Pampanga Public Market. He announced that the city government will allocate P200 million for the project including the putting up of a steel parking facility within the market compound.
“Ang pamilihang lunsod ang sentro ng komersyo ng ating komunidad kaya nararapat lamang na ating ipaayos at pagandahin,” Lazatin said.
The mayor said his administration is also aiming to ensure sustainability through reforestation of the Angeles City Watershed, a major water source in the city.