The Puerto Princesa City government reported that the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) collected ₱23.86 million from permits, inspections and other services during the first seven months of 2026.
The city government said the OCBO processed 752 building permits and 429 occupancy permits from January to July. It also handled 202 electrical service connection permits and 65 fencing permits.
Other transactions included eight signage permits, 1,258 certification and research fees, 8,878 annual building inspection fees, 1,000 location fees and 14 permits and fees under other categories.
The permit process is intended to ensure that houses, commercial buildings, and other structures comply with national and local safety standards before they are built or occupied.
The OCBO reviews structural and related plans and conducts building inspections. It also checks whether proposed construction follows the city’s planning rules and other regulations.
The city government said these requirements are important in reducing risks posed by typhoons and other environmental hazards.
Building permits are not limited to new houses and commercial structures. Some activities involving the installation of telecommunications cables and the demolition of old buildings also require approval from the office.
For collections from building permit fees, 80% goes to the city government, 15% is placed in the OCBO Trust Fund and 5% is remitted to the national government, according to the city government.
The OCBO’s share supports office operations, including facility improvements, staff training, salaries of job order personnel and the purchase of equipment and vehicles.
The city government said the permits and fees support the enforcement of construction standards and help ensure that development in Puerto Princesa remains safe, legal and consistent with its urban plans.
