In a major step toward environmental protection and public safety, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II led the first official gathering of the newly formed Task Force on Abacan River Waterways Management. Held earlier this morning, the meeting marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to rehabilitate the Abacan River and surrounding areas.
Joining Mayor Lazatin in the strategic discussion were City Councilors Alex Indiongco, Niknok Bañola, and Jeselle Dayrit, all of whom expressed full support for the initiative. Their participation emphasized the city’s united approach in ensuring that natural resources are safeguarded while protecting communities from potential hazards.
Key agenda items tackled during the meeting included the regular cleanup of the Abacan River and its diversion roads, the removal of illegal structures that pose safety risks along the road dike, and the development of green belts to prevent soil erosion and preserve the riverbanks.
Another major focus was improving waste management practices in nearby communities to prevent further pollution of the river. The task force aims to raise awareness and enforce discipline in waste disposal, which is critical to enhancing the water quality and ecological balance of the area.
Following the meeting, the task force immediately conducted an on-site ocular inspection of the Abacan River and its surroundings. Representatives from the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), City Engineering Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Environmental Management System, ACHSUD, BAPAC, and ACTDO joined the inspection to assess current conditions and identify immediate action points.
Mayor Lazatin stressed that this task force is part of a larger vision to create a cleaner, greener, and safer Angeles City. He emphasized that environmental stewardship is not only the government’s responsibility but also a shared duty of every citizen.
With coordinated planning, active participation of key departments, and community cooperation, the Abacan River Waterways Management Task Force stands as a symbol of Angeles City’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster resilience. The local government continues to urge residents to support the program and join the city in building a healthier, safer environment for future generations.
