OBO applicants can check status thru text

CEBU, Philippines - Building permits applicants in Cebu City can now check the status of their application through text.

This after the Office of the Building Officials (OBO) in Cebu City launched its information system that allows applicants to verify the update of their applications through short messaging system.

They only need to encode OBO <space> STATUS <space> then the number of their application for permit to 0917-314-7941.

In just a matter of seconds, they will receive an answer to their queries.

According to OBO assistant chief Florante Catalan, the sender will immediately receive notification from the system informing them of the status of their application without wasting their time visiting OBO.

Catalan said the project is aimed to eliminate graft and corruption at their office because the permit applicants no longer need to personally visit their office just to check the status of their applications.

The applicants or their authorized representative only need to come to City Hall when they file their documents, then when they are required to pay for the permit and other fees and lastly, when they get the approved copy of the permit.

Mayor Michael Rama was happy of OBO’s new innovation.  OBO is among the offices in the City Hall where people usually complain because of the delay in the approval of their application for building permit.

Catalan said the applications shall be approved within the 15-day period from the day it was filed as long as all required documents are submitted. —MBG (FREEMAN)