Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II has once again reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agricultural development by personally meeting with Indigenous Peoples (IPs), coffee growers, and corn farmers during his visit to the City Agriculture Office. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing support for marginalized farmers and efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive farming practices.
During the visit, Mayor Lazatin turned over a shallow tube well to corn farmers under the Barangay Sapalibutad Farmers Association, in support of the Corn and Cassava Banner Program. This intervention aims to provide better irrigation solutions, especially for drought-prone areas, to increase productivity and crop quality.
Mayor Lazatin was joined by Councilor Ron Pineda, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, and City Agriculture Officer Rea Dizon, who also facilitated the enrollment of IPs and coffee growers from Sapangbato into the Organic Agriculture Registry System under the CARISUCOS Angeles City Farmers Association. The registry will help formalize organic farming practices, enhance market access, and ensure proper recognition of local organic growers.
The mayor also toured key agricultural projects, including the plant nursery, greenhouse, hydroponics setup, and the goat multiplier project. He likewise checked on the black soldier fly production operated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), which is part of the city’s innovative approach to sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.
In addition, Mayor Lazatin participated in the Highly-Urbanized City Agricultural and Fisheries Council activity, where several resolutions and programs were discussed to boost the agricultural sector. A major highlight was the proposal to directly procure rice from local Angeleño farmers, aiming to reduce reliance on middlemen and enhance farmer incomes.
Other key resolutions included the approval of one agriculture scholarship per agricultural barangay (Cuayan, Cutud, Sapalibutad, and Sapangbato), giving students a chance to pursue BS Agriculture in partner institutions such as PSAU (Pampanga State Agricultural University). The city also committed to submitting necessary documents to DA Region III for the accreditation of the CARISUCOS Farmers Association.
The session concluded with the presentation of the revolving funds for the Enhanced KADIWA Bangus Program, aimed at supporting fisherfolk and strengthening local food supply chains. Through these initiatives, Mayor Lazatin continues to demonstrate a hands-on and progressive approach to empowering local farmers, especially Indigenous communities, in building a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
