DENR urged to enforce 'no-build zone' in Sapangbato watershed

Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to monitor and strictly enforce the “no-build zone” within the Sapangbato Protected Agricultural Land and Watershed in Angeles City to ensure that no illegal structures are built in the area.

Lazatin made the appeal following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, which left widespread damage across the country.

“Nakita na natin na lahat ng sakuna na nangyari ay dulot ng pagkalbo sa mga bundok at kagubatan – huwag na nating hintayin pa na mangyari din ito sa Unang Distrito ng Pampanga,” Lazatin said.

During Lazatin’s tenure as mayor, Angeles City passed its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2021–2030, designating the 546-hectare Sapangbato Watershed as protected agricultural land and a no-build zone that prohibits any form of construction within its boundaries.

In a letter dated 11 November 2025, Lazatin formally requested the assistance of the DENR in enforcing the CLUP and preventing structures from being erected within the watershed’s protected area.

He also sought the cooperation of his brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, and local officials in ensuring full compliance with the city’s land use regulations.

Lazatin likewise urged the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to consider environmental impacts when approving development projects on properties located within the protected area.

Although the Sapangbato Watershed falls under the political jurisdiction of Angeles City, parts of the land are owned by BCDA and CDC.

It can be recalled that during his mayoralty, Lazatin ordered the closure of several establishments—including restaurants and resorts—found to be operating within the protected zone under agreements with BCDA, in violation of the CLUP.

“Nananawagan din ako sa ating mga kababayan na makiisa sa ating adbokasiya ng protektahan ang kalikasan at, kung maaari, tumulong sa reforestation ng Sapangbato na inumpisahan natin noong 2019,” Lazatin said.

Under his administration, a total of 145,041 seedlings were planted in the watershed through the reforestation program of the Angeles LGU in partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI).

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), forests absorb excess rainwater, reducing runoff and flood damage. A 2025 study by Herath et al. found that forest cover acts as a “natural flood defense,” while a 2023 University of British Columbia study linked forest loss to more frequent and severe flooding.

Lazatin said these findings underscore the urgent need to preserve the Sapangbato Watershed as Angeles City’s natural shield against disasters.