ILOILO CITY – Despite the pandemic, economic activity is still thriving here as construction of buildings and residential continues.

“There are still lots of construction,” observed Mayor Jerry Treñas.
As of April 16, the Iloilo City government has approved 655 building permits out of the 1,037 applications.
The Iloilo City government’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) noted that 655 permits have been approved in the first quarter of the year compared to the 950 approved last year.
“The increasing number of building permit releases means more infrastructures. It signifies that the city is progressive and that the business sector has confidence in governance and potentials,” Engr. Mavi Gustilo, acting OBO chief, said.
OBO has implemented various measures to expedite approval of permits. It also had technical help from the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Our office strictly implements the no red tape policy. It means the processing of permits and certificates are now streamlined or simplified. We are also making further studies to improve the existing system of processing, and make it easier for our applicants,” Gustilo said.