CBAO online programs on the go, parking building planned, dorms inspected
The City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO) under the leadership of Archt. Johnny Degay is undertaking all measures to enable paperless office transactions, more specifically for building permits.
This was the pronouncement during a recent media forum at city hall, that commercial or residential building permits should be applied for through buildpass.baguio.gov.ph.
Manual application was done in the past years, but a drastic decrease was felt two years ago due to lockdowns forcing people indoors and out of offices. Another factor which caused a fall in building applications a year ago was a rise in cost of construction materials, Degay said
Complete documents for complex applications should take seven days for approval as logged in; while highly technical ones take 20 days, Degay said, excluding accessorial requirements, such as fencing permits.
There are however technical glitches or slow online connections thus difficulties in processing are experienced. This is expected for those unaccustomed to technological or technical applications, Degay said, but personal receipt documents are accepted as presented at the CBAO office.
According to Degay, a simultaneous barangay census is done for a database of structures where an estimated 20% is found to be without building permits. Data from at least ninety of the 128 barangays is available, Degay said.
Building owners are encouraged to file for permits; with tax declared or titled properties. For lot owners without titles, pertinent documents should be processed and filed with the proper authorities, Degay further said.
As to the proposed four-storey parking building, it is expected to be of service to 300 car owners from the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), SOCO, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), LGU Baguio, Justice Hall, and the nearby schools. An addition of commercial space, and area to house the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and fire trucks is likewise incorporated.
Problems as to illegal settlers in the city should pass through proper offices for disposition, Degay said; from the Katarungang Pambarangay at the Barangay Office; before going to the CBAO.
Concerns about inhabitable dormitories, rented places and the like should also be reported to the CBAO; for inspection before rectification or necessary repairs, Degay said. “Safety is non-negotiable for all, household members, tenants and students,” Degay added.
Dormitory inspection has started, near the universities; as students from in and out of Baguio troop to the schools for face-to-face education. – JGF
