Following the fire that engulfed the Pampanga Public Market the previous night, Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to allot P300 million for the market’s reconstruction.

“The Pampanga Public Market will rise again,” Lazatin said, adding that he directly reached out to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to request that funding for the market be included in next year’s budget.

“I extend my condolences and stand in solidarity with the vendors and their families, as well as their workers, affected by the fire at Pampanga Market,” Lazatin said. “You can count on me as you rebuild.”

Earlier today, Lazatin inspected the Pampanga Public Market together with DPWH District Engineer Cezar Abella and Engr. Sheryl Faustino to assess the damage. 

Lazatin asked the DPWH to coordinate with the City Engineer’s Office to ensure that repair and reconstruction of the market are carried out at the soonest possible time.

He also said he immediately coordinated with his brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, to help the city in rebuilding the Pampanga Public Market.

“The Pampanga Market is not just a simple marketplace; it is part of the daily life of every Angeleño and all those in nearby towns who also shop here,” Lazatin said.

During his term as Angeles City mayor, Lazatin spearheaded the construction of the P400-million modernized new building of the Pampanga Public Market, which was inaugurated on November 29, 2024. The new building replaced the original market, which was also destroyed by a fire in 2020.