PAMPANGA - The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) Maintenance Team has completed placement and filling works at Sapang Kalawang in Barangay Sapangbato, a preventive measure led by Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II to protect communities vulnerable to strong water currents. The operation, finished before the end of Sunday, aims to prevent the waterflow from re-channeling, which could otherwise cause flooding in neighboring communities . This proactive intervention comes as heavy rainfall continues to affect the province, with floodwaters already entering homes in various barangays and nearby towns.
Preventive Measures and Community Protection
Barangay Sapangbato is Angeles City's largest barangay and sits at the highest elevation in the city at 750 feet above sea level, making it a critical area for water management as it serves as the city's watershed . The Sapangbato Watershed covers approximately 546 hectares of upland area and has been identified as Protected Agricultural Land, designated specifically as Fragile Agricultural Land (Watershed Protection) . Mayor Lazatin has consistently prioritized watershed protection, previously ordering inspections that led to the shutdown of illegal constructions in the area and emphasizing that the watershed is the city's resource to prevent flooding and ensure clean water . The Sapang Kalawang filling works are part of a broader, continuing commitment to safeguard communities from the impacts of severe weather.
A City Committed to Long-Term Safety
The completion of the placement and filling works at Sapang Kalawang is part of a broader effort by the city government to implement preventive and protective measures in communities vulnerable to strong water currents. The city government, through Mayor Lazatin's leadership, has also been actively involved in other environmental initiatives, including the Sapangbato Watershed reforestation program, which has already planted 145,041 seedlings in the area . Concerned government offices will continuously monitor the condition of local waterways to provide immediate intervention and reduce risks for residents as heavy rains continue to affect the province.
