‘74% out of 83,335 Baguio structures have no permits’ - Baguio CBAO 

Baguio City, Philippines – More than 60,000 structures in Baguio City remain without building permits due to various challenges faced by property owners, the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) reported.

Through the city’s Information Office, the CBAO said that out of 83,335 documented structures in the Summer Capital, 61,645, or roughly 74%, have no permits, while only 21,690, or about 26%, have secured the required documents.

The number of unpermitted buildings may still rise as the ongoing census, validation, and mapping continue. As of March 9, 2026, the inventory has been completed in 105 out of 128 barangays.

According to the CBAO, common reasons for the lack of permits include the cost of preparing building plans and hiring professionals, issues with land ownership, and easements, especially for structures located in redistricted areas.

To address these challenges, the local government is implementing measures to simplify the process. Assistance is being provided for land surveys, and the CBAO is coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help resolve land titling issues and speed up property title processing.

For structures built on titled lots, permit applications are processed once the complete requirements are submitted to the office. To further reduce costs, barangays are encouraged to designate engineers and professionals so applicants do not need to hire private consultants.

CBAO officials emphasized that these measures are aimed at ensuring compliance and promoting safer urban development across Baguio City.

Property owners and those planning to build are urged to coordinate with their respective barangays or visit the CBAO office at Utility Road, DPS Compound, Baguio City for more information.