OBO starts demolition of bldgs considered public nuisance

CEBU, Philippines —  At least five old structures, including a residential and commercial building that were due for demolition, have already been demolished by the city government while 13 other old dilapidated buildings are also set for demolition, says the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

Those that were already demolished include the old White Gold Club in Barangay Carreta, an old residential building in Sambag I, Poblacion-Pardo, and Busay, and a fence/wall in Guadalupe.

An old building in Barangay Santo Nino, on the other hand, is undergoing repair and rectification to avoid demolition while Ho Tong Hardware’s dilapidated facade is now undergoing demolition.

Another popular building in Barangay Santo Nino, the Seven Arts theatre building and Ultra Vista Rama are also due for demolition. The other structures due for demolition include residential and commercial units in Kamputhaw, an unfinished building and old lumber in Labangon, a building in Mambaling, another unfinished building and retaining wall in Mabolo, an old bank in Parian, a commercial building and a presumed historical structure but damaged by fire in San Roque and a two-story building in T. Padilla.

Based on OBO’s records, the ones in Kamputhaw are now processing their permits for demolition along with the retaining fence in Mabolo while Katipunan Lumber in Labangon re-applied after it was abandoned while the one in T. Padilla already has a demolition permit.

OBO has also sent a communication to the unfinished White Gold Club construction in Labangon while the notice sent to an unfinished building in Mabolo was returned. OBO also said that the one in Mambaling is up for sale.

Building officials said these structures are deemed public nuisance that need to be demolished as soon as possible.

OBO chief, Architect Florante Catalan, also advised building owners to have their structural engineers check their properties some years after they had been built to ensure that it remains safe and sound aside.

Those who are planning to build, Catalan reminded them to always have a building permit before commencing any construction work.

“Do not construct without an approved building permit, that is our advise kay masayang ..kay madakpan ka…naay time nga e domolish…kung dili ma approve na,” said Catalan.

Catalan said OBO is making things easier for everyone to apply via online. —  Alan Domingo, FPL (FREEMAN)