UHRI applies for permit to start P18 billion project

CEBU, Philippines — The Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) has already applied for a building permit to start the construction of the P18-billion integrated resorts and casino development project on Kawit Island at the South Road Properties.

Engineer Josefa Ylanan, chief of the Office of the Building Official, said they are now reviewing the application.

“It’s still on process. I will have to endorse the copy of the plans to DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) for their comments since it’s on the national highway,” Ylanan told The Freeman.

The first phase of the project includes the construction of a shopping center, integrated resort facility, convention center, performing arts theater, themed park and iconic public art, one hotel, parking lot, and casino.

The second phase will cover the construct of two more hotel buildings on the third and fourth year after the signing of the joint venture agreement with the Cebu City government.

Ylanan said the UHRI is expected to get the permit within the month if there will be no issues to be ironed out.

“Approve or disapprove paningkamotan nato nga naa tay ma issue nga comment sa ilang application within 15 days,” she said.

Ylanan said her office will try to comply with the 15-day period to process an application of the permit despite several pending permit applications.

She said her office processes an average of five applications for both residential and commercial building permits in a day.

Ylanan said the OBO will check the structural design analysis if it is consistent with the design details on plan, electrical assumptions, yard regulations, among others. The UHRI will make the necessary corrections if the OBO engineers will find any discrepancy.

The vertical development of the multi-billion peso project can now proceed after the court dismissed the civil cases filed by the members of the opposition seeking to stop the project. — FPL (FREEMAN)