DAGUPAN City Mayor Belen Fernandez has reminded property owners and contractors to secure building permits from the City Engineer’s Office before starting any construction, stressing strict compliance with the National Building Code.

Fernandez cited a two-story structure being built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Barangay Bacayao Norte, which was already under construction when the barangay later applied for the required permit.

During a site inspection with City Engineer Josephine Corpuz, it was found that one concrete post of the structure encroached on a barangay road, a clear violation of the National Building Code.

Corpuz said the building permit will not be issued unless the structure is modified and set back by at least one meter. The building stands directly in front of a multi-purpose center constructed by the Dagupan City government.

Fernandez said she and Corpuz will meet with Barangay Captain Diosdado Maramba Jr. to discuss the violation and determine the necessary steps for the project to proceed legally.

“This situation arises when construction is started without first securing the required permits from the city,” Fernandez said.

Corpuz noted that the DPWH is fully aware of the need to obtain building permits and questioned why construction proceeded without compliance.

Fernandez also underscored a newly approved city ordinance requiring all buildings to be elevated at least one meter above ground level, citing Dagupan’s susceptibility to flooding. (Leonardo Micua)