ANGELES CITY – “I am appealing to all Angeleños to be vigilant and help us protect the Sapangbato Watershed.”
Thus, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on Oct. 15 called on his constituents in the wake of “disturbing reports” of illegal construction activities that could endanger the watershed’s stability and the safety of all Angeleños.
“If you see any illegal activities within the watershed, be it construction or any action that could harm the environment, report it immediately to the city government. The future of our water supply and the safety of our community depend on it,” Lazatin said.
The Sapangbato Watershed is the city’s resource to prevent flooding and ensure the availability of clean water.
The area, which has been designated as non-buildable in the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Zoning Ordinance, faces the threat of illegal construction activities.
Lazatin also ordered a composite team to conduct a thorough inspection of the watershed and to shut down any ongoing illegal constructions.
After the inspection of the team composed of city engineer’s office, office of the city building official, city planning and development office, and city environment and natural resources offices, six business establishments were shut down, while two residential houses were given cease-and-desist order for their ongoing construction.
According to business permit and licensing division chief Enrico Romero, the six establishments that were shut down – three restaurants, and three resorts — are all operating without business permits.
The city government, which has planted over 100,000 trees in the watershed area as part of its reforestation efforts since 2019, remains committed to ensure that the watershed stays protected.
“The protection of the Angeles City Watershed is not only for today but for the next generations. We must act now to preserve it,” Lazatin added. Angeles CIO
