ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on his second term reaped multiple awards and recognitions from various government agencies in the country for his excellent leadership and administration.
His recent notable accolade, the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award (MOKA) in Government Service, Mayor Lazatin was recognized for his “exemplary achievements and contributions to the betterment of the Kapampangan race” on December 11, 2023.
Pampanga second District Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab conferred the MOKA to Mayor Lazatin during the ceremonies at Kingsborough International Convention Center.
Present to the ceremony is former President and Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noted that her friend Tarzan Lazatin, Mayor Lazatin’s father who is also a MOKA awardee, “will be so proud” of his son for being able to follow his footsteps in leading Angeles City through exceptional leadership.
The Angeles City Government was also able to bag various awards during Mayor Lazatin’s administration including Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2023, Gawad Makabata Award 2023, SubayBAYANI 2023, 23rd Gawad Kalasag, Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance 2022, and Good Financial Housekeeping in 2022.
The prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government proved Angeles City Government’s dedication in providing high-quality public services, and its capacity to govern effectively and transparently.
The criteria for the SGLG are Good Fiscal or Financial Administration or Financial Sustainability; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity Program; Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Programs for Sustainable Education; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness; Safety, Peace and Order; Environmental Management; Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and Arts; and Youth Development.
Angeles City also received The Good Financial Housekeeping award, and is another testament of maintaining a healthy financial expenditure in its way of governance.
The Gawad Makabata Award also indicates the city government’s capability to further advance the children’s rights and well-being, and development, together with the 2022 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance which the Angeles City maintained by creating an environment of holistic development and welfare to its children.
The SubayBAYANI Award, meanwhile recognizes Angeles City’s commitment to community empowerment and involvement in promoting unity and cooperation among its residents, together with the 23rd Gawad Kalasag award marking Mayor Lazatin’s efforts in ensuring the safety of Angeleños through mitigating the impact of natural calamities.
Mayor Lazatin, through his priority program and service in cultivating the rich cultural heritage of Kapampangan, the Angeles City became the 1st runner-up for the top-tourist destination in Central Luzon for having captivating historical landmarks, and picturesque landscapes, with a promise of diverse and memorable travel experience.
“Being awarded for my efforts in public service has never been the goal but, to me, this award is a testament that I have been doing a good job as a public servant,” Lazatin said.
Mayor Lazatin’s governance in Angeles City focuses on peace and order; accessible public health; business-friendliness; reforestation of Angeles City Watershed; culture and tourism; accessible and quality education for all; housing program for urban poor; and social welfare programs.
