Numerous groups and leaders in Pampanga have paid tribute to the late Renato "Abong" S. Tayag Jr., who died of organ failure on February 18, 2025.
Tayag was the founder and chairman of the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc.
Tayag is a revered and celebrated leader in Pampanga, particularly in Angeles.City.
Aside from serving as chairman of ARAW-ACI, Tayag was one of the pioneer officers of the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII).
In a book published by MACCI on their 50th anniversary, Tayag was named as instrumental in the creation of the Clark Special Economic Zone in 1993.
Along with other MACCII leaders, Tayag solicited the support of then Congressman "Tarzan" Lazatin and Olongapo Mayor Dick Gordon to lobby before the Senate for the transformation of the Clark Air Base into an economic zone.
The ARAW-ACI officers said Tayag was "an exemplary leader with the highest integrity and humility."
"We will be forever grateful and indebted to him for the advocacy that he pioneered at the Sapangbato Watershed," the officers, led by President Jon Juico, said.
The council officers also vowed to pursue the advocacy with "greater passion and determination."
The rehabilitation and protection of the watershed aims to secure adequate water supply in Angeles City and other parts of Pampanga.
ARAW-ACI's advocacy covers water security, food security, and climate change action.
ARAW-ACI Vice President Sonny Dobles said Tayag is a "a genuine humanitarian, environmental champion, and peace advocate ."
President Joshua Bingcang of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Tayag"s "exemplary leadership contributed greatly in championing green development and environmental protection in the country."
ARAW-ACI and BCDA are partners in the advocacy on the preservation and rehabilitation of Sapangbato Watershed.
Under the leadership of Tayag as chairperson from 2006 to 2012, Bingcang said the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon also served as one of BCDA’s socio-civic partners that supported and monitored the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac