Building office to surpass annual target collection

THE Office of the Building Official (OBO) registered a total collection of P48.1 million from fees and permits issuance, which is already 74 percent of its P65 million annual target for this year.

Jaime Adalin, OBO chief, said in Thursday's I-Speak Forum at the City Hall that he is confident they can even surpass their annual target.

Adalin attributed the increase in collection during the first eight months of this year to various aspects. Among these are the implementation of the "Bantay Balaod Program" and the influx of development projects in Davao City.

Adalin said that starting last year, their collection has significantly increased, making them as one of the top performing revenue-generating departments of the City Hall.

In 2011, OBO recorded a total collection of P56.70 million, surpassing its P53 million target for the same year.

"Yung ibang mga developers before they start a project here in Davao City would usually come to me and ask things that would convince them why they should invest here instead of other places," Adalin said.

When confronted with that type of question, Adalin said his usual response would be the peace and order in Davao City as well as the type of leadership styles that local leader possess here.

For 2013, Adalin said they will set their target slightly higher than this year at P70 million.

Since the City Council last month has already approved an ordinance lifting the exemption from acquisition of Building Permit for low-cost developments in Davao City, Adalin said 2013 will be a better year for OBO in terms of revenue collection. (Jereco O. Paloma)