ANGELES CITY — Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. on May 15 served as the guest of honor during the 79th Collegiate Commencement Exercises of Republic Central Colleges (RCC) Colegio de San Rafael — Baliti Campus, marking a sentimental return to his academic roots.
Lazatin, an alumnus of RCC Angeles City Campus, addressed the graduating class with heartfelt gratitude and encouragement, reflecting on how the institution helped shape his values and leadership.
“Napakasaya ko po na nandito ako ngayon kasama kayo bilang guest speaker ng Batch 79th Collegiate Commencement Exercises ng Republic Central Colleges. Isang karangalan po na maimbitahan at bumalik dito mismo sa paaralan na humubog sa aking kakayahan,” Lazatin said.
With deep pride, the mayor recalled his academic journey—from college to graduate studies—within the halls of RCC, and emphasized how the values instilled in him by the institution continue to guide his public service.
“RCC played a big role in the man I have become today,” Lazatin added.
The mayor also highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to improve access to quality education, citing key initiatives under his administration such as the distribution of school supplies to over 100,000 public school students from 2022 to 2024, the establishment of 16 state-of-the-art computer laboratories, and the creation of Central Luzon’s first solar-powered public school — Belen Homesite Elementary School in Barangay Sto. Cristo — All these efforts are anchored on his guiding principle — “Walang kabataan ang maiiwan pagdating sa larangan ng edukasyon.”
In closing, Lazatin, who has been proclaimed as congressman-elect of the 1st District of Pampanga, extended his congratulations to the graduates, parents, and faculty members, acknowledging their effort in reaching this milestone.
Also present during the RCC’s 79th Collegiate Commencement Exercises were RCC president Dr. Victoria Lazatin-Angeles, and Atty. Toti Angeles. Angeles CIO
