The city government has launched on April 22 the Building Permit Application Services System or BuildPASS, an online client-centered program that streamlined the application process for construction permits.
City Buildings and Architecture Office head Johnny Degay said the system converges the offices responsible in the processing of construction permits: the City Environment and Parks Management Office, City Planning and Development Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and CBAO.
“With BuildPASS, a virtual space is provided to the applicant allowing him or her to submit all the requirements of the four offices at once and online,” he said.
The system is capable of providing real-time monitoring and tracking of applications; real-time messaging between evaluator and applicants; simultaneous evaluation of offices; one-time assessment; and minimal face-to-face interaction.
Degay said digitalization of the process is timely and relevant during the new normal.
He added BuildPASS aims to cut the processing time from 123 days to just five days for simple classification permits.
It is also designed to minimize interaction between applicants and government entities, further strengthening the city’s stand against fixers and improving protection against the Covid-19.
Instructions and documents in securing a construction permit in Baguio may be accessed at https://buildpass.baguio.gov.ph/. – Gaby B. Keith
