BAGUIO CITY – The City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) issued 421 notices of violation during the first quarter to owners undertaking construction without the required building permits, prompting Mayor Benjamin Magalong to renew his call for compliance with the National Building Code.
The violations stemmed from the city’s continuing enforcement of building regulations and efforts to curb unauthorized construction, according to the city government.
Magalong said securing a building permit ensures that plans are reviewed for compliance with national safety standards before construction begins.
“Sana makita ng mga kababayan natin ang importansiya ng pagkuha ng permit dahil dito, sinisiguro ng building officials na pasado sa quality standards ang building na itatayo. Lalo na ngayon na napadalas ang mga lindol, hindi tayo dapat mag dalawang isip na protektahan ang investment natin sa itinatayo nating mga structure (We hope our residents recognize the importance of securing a building permit. It helps ensure that structures comply with quality and safety standards, especially now that earthquakes have become more frequent),” he said Friday.
He urged owners of structures built without permits to have their buildings assessed for structural stability.
“It is for their family’s safety. It will also protect their investment,” he said.
The CBAO received 447 complaints related to construction activities during the first quarter, all filed by concerned residents.
Beyond overseeing construction, the office is responsible for issuing occupancy permits once buildings comply with regulatory requirements.
The CBAO issued 100 occupancy permits during the first quarter, up 1 percent from the same period last year.
Revenue from occupancy permit fees also increased to PHP904,586 from PHP749,563 a year earlier. **Liza Agoot
