PASAY CITY – For his efforts and dedication to enhance climate resilience and sustainability in his part of the world, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. received the Climate Hero Award from the Climate Change Commission in ceremonies at the Marriott Hotel here on Sept. 18.
“Malaking pasasalamat po sa Climate Change Commission sa pagbibigay po sa akin ng ganitong pagkilala, asahan po ninyo na mas paiigtingin pa namin ang mga programang saklaw ng climate change,” Lazatin said in accepting the award.
Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz, Sr. cited Lazatin’s visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable urban development which garnered international acclaim, particularly with the city’s selection by UN Habitat as a partner in the Building Climate Resiliency through Urban Plans and Designs Project.
A flagship environmental program of the Lazatin administration since his assumption of office in 2019 is the massive reforestation of the Angeles City Watershed where 100,969 trees have been planted and cared for to date.
This project is under the supervision of Lazatin’s chief adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel.
In 2021, the city government introduced the Walang Plastikan: Plastic Palit Bigas Project to in a bid to simultaneously address environmental woes and end hunger and malnutrition. For every kilo of plastic recyclable trash turned in at designated collecting centers, an equivalent kilo of rice is given in exchange.
The Walang Plastikan: Plastic Palit Bigas Project was among the top 17 national finalists from 101 entries in the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards.
At the mayor’s initiative, the city government is set to install solar panels at the Belen Homesite Elementary School that will power air-conditioners and smart TVs in eight classrooms. This will be followed by the installation of solar panels in all public schools in the 33 barangays here.
Ongoing now with October as target date of completion is the installation of 1,500 solar lights in all major and secondary roads in the city. This, is in line with promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly environment, as well as prioritizing the safety of the residents. Angeles CIO
