Baguio makes application for building permits faster

BAGUIO CITY-– The City Building and Architects Office  is now polishing its E-application system to avoid  direct engagement between office personnel and clients.

 CBAO chief Nazita Bañez said they are still in the stage of testing the system which was created in partnership with the Management Information System (MIS) office of the city government.

 The engineer said they are targeting full operation of the E-application by December and once ready, applications of both simple and complex permits can be done through the internet – without having to personally deal with an office staff. The applicant can also view the status of his application through the internet.

 “Once it is in full operation, they do not need to come over to apply and even follow-up. They can already submit the requirements through the internet and even see the status of their application.”

 The engineer added that aside from accessibility, the electronic system is also aimed at transparency, allowing the applicant to know where the application is and to lessen direct contact with an employee.

 CBAO, the engineer said, issues permits but the application goes through 12 stages. “With the E-application, they do not need to personally come and follow-up on what stage the document is in because they can see it even while they are at home," she said.

 “The office issues simple permits like fencing permits, excavation, demolition and electrical clearance required in applying with the electric distributor for power connection and a complex permit which includes the building and occupancy permit for structures.”

 Bañez said that the E-application of the CBAO is in compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA Law) which limits the engagement of clients with employees, also preventing the possibility of having fixers. “The office will only deal with actual applicants or their duly acknowledged representatives and vice versa, no need for middlemen who collect fees from clients to process any permit,” the officer explained.

 Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise known as “An Act to Improve Efficiency in the Delivery of Government Service to the Public by Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape, Preventing Graft and Corruption, and Providing Penalties Thereof" or the Anti—Red Tape Act of 2007, was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 2, 2007.

 “Soon, there shall be no fixers because there will be no need for one to process any permit the CBAO issues,” Engr. Bañez explained.

 Bañez assumed office as head of the department in 2016.  -- Liza T. Agoot/PNA