With the collapsed building slowly taking the back seat after a challenging 18 days at ground zero, Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II shared his thoughts on the incident that also brought him to celebrate his birthday with the rescuers.
In a rare expression of his feelings and even show of laughter, he shed off the heaviness on his shoulders and instead exchanged light moments with the members of Pampanga Press Club.
“Nakakatulong ang public service. Doon tayo nagkakaroon ng lakas ng loob at doon tayo bumabata,” said Lazatin, who turned 56 last June 4. The day was spent at the collapsed building with rescuers whom he had ordered food for.
He made the remarks during the News@Hues, a regular media conference of the PPC sponsored by Park Inn by Radisson Clark at its Hues Restaurant.
The mayor also made a wish not for himself but also for the people of Angeles City.
“Simple lang. Tatlong bagay. Una dapat may takot sa Diyos. Pangalawa kailangan maging makabayan at maging makatao. Yung tatlong bagay na yun, malayo na ang mararating,” Lazatin said.
The light moments went on with perspectives and outlook in personal life.
How does he spend private time? To have time for a silent retreat from the daily grind at city hall seem to be a luxury for him. He spends this watching TV or a tennis match against his son who is in his 20s.
This diversion helps him preserve his image as a “hot” mayor, as millenials following Angeles City developments would call him.
Asked where to take visitors if he were a tour guide, he was quick to answer: the Minor Basilica (Holy Rosary Parish) and the nearby Museo Ning Angeles and the Culinarium – all of which make up the heritage tour of Angeles City.
Lazatin was also profuse in expressing gratitude to everyone who helped in the tragic building collapse, especially responders and rescuers. He also thanked those in both government and the private sector who extended help and various forms of assistance.
The mayor was accompanied by City Information Officer Jay Pelayo IV who was also noted for excellent handling of issues and concerns surrounding the incident.
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