What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5am Tuesday 8am - 5am Wednesday 8am - 5am Thursday 8am - 5am Friday 8am - 5am

OBO Mandaue City, Plaridel Street, Mandaue, Cebu, Mandaue City (2026)

06/10/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?

Ever wondered why our cities are getting warmer as they continue to grow?

As urban areas expand, natural and open spaces are increasingly replaced by buildings, roads, and paved surfaces. This contributes to the urban heat island effect, which can lead to higher temperatures, greater demand for air-conditioning, and increased pressure on our natural resources.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰?

Buildings and construction account for more than 35% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions.

Construction also consumes more than one-third of the planet’s resources and generates significant amounts of waste.

As Mandaue City continues to grow and develop, the way we plan, design, construct, and operate our buildings matters more than ever.
And this is where Green Building comes in.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 “𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠” 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧?

Green building is more than a trend. It is an approach to creating buildings that are planned, designed, constructed, and operated in the most resource-efficient manner, with the least environmental impact.
In simple terms, it means building smarter, using energy, water, materials, and other resources efficiently while creating healthier and more comfortable spaces for people.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞?

✅ Reduces Energy Consumption
Natural lighting and ventilation, proper building design, and energy-efficient systems can help reduce electricity use and cooling demand.

✅ Conserves Water and Resources
Water-efficient fixtures and responsible material selection can help reduce unnecessary consumption.

✅ Reduces Construction Waste
Better planning, material management, and responsible construction practices can help minimize waste.

✅ Creates Healthier and More Comfortable Spaces
Good ventilation, natural lighting, vegetation, and appropriate open spaces can improve comfort and help address excessive heat.

✅ Supports Sustainable Communities
Green building helps our cities accommodate growth while using resources responsibly and reducing environmental impact.

𝐈𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬?
NOT AT ALL!

Green building is about making better decisions throughout a building’s entire life cycle, from planning and design, to construction, operation, and maintenance.

We cannot stop our cities from growing, but we can choose how we grow them.

Every building is an opportunity to build a safer, healthier, more efficient, and more sustainable future.

Article by: Engr. Roselle Ann Bensi
Illustration by: Ar. Lloyd

06/10/2026

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 (𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐁𝐎) 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐭?

If you are transacting with a government office on behalf of a corporation, presenting a simple authorization letter or ID is not enough. Government agencies, such as the Office of the Building Official (OBO), BIR, LTO, or Registry of Deeds, will routinely demand a Secretary’s Certificate.

✅ WHAT IS A SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE?

Under Philippine law, a corporation is an artificial being created by operation of law with a juridical personality separate and distinct from its individual stockholders or officers. Because a corporation is not a natural person, it cannot physically sign documents or make decisions on its own; it acts exclusively through its Board of Directors or Trustees.

A Secretary’s Certificate is an official, notarized legal document executed under oath by the Corporate Secretary, a required corporate officer under Section 24 of the Revised Corporation Code. It certifies that the Board officially designated a specific individual (e.g., President, Manager, or Engineer) as the authorized representative to sign documents and act on behalf of the company, among others.

✅ WHEN DO YOU NEED A SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE?

You need a Secretary's Certificate whenever a corporation enters into legal, financial, or administrative transactions with third parties or government institutions, including applying for government permits, clearances, and official licenses, among others.

Because agency is never presumed and third parties are required by law to exercise due diligence regarding an agent's authority, third parties cannot simply take an employee’s word that they represent the company. The Secretary's Certificate serves as the written proof of Board authority.

✅ WHEN DO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LIKE OBO, ASK FOR A SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE?

When a corporation applies for Building Permits, Occupancy Permits, Sign Permits, or Plan Approvals, or request copies of records before the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for a structure owned by the company:

a) OBO must verify that the corporate property owner actually approved the proposed construction or renovation.

b) OBO needs proof that the person signing the building permit applications, architectural plans, and structural undertakings has been explicitly granted authority by the Board of Directors/Trustees.

✅ WHAT IF THE REPRESENTATIVE NAMED IN THE BOARD RESOLUTION CANNOT BE PRESENT?

You Must Present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA)!

The officer or individual named in the Secretary’s Certificate executes an SPA delegating their authority to a specific representative or liaison.

FOR THE “SPA” TO BE ACCEPTED, the underlying Board Resolution must have specifically empowered that officer to delegate authority or sign SPAs on behalf of the Corporation.

Writer’s note: please include chain of authority graphics (Board Resolution ➔ Secretary's Certificate ➔ Officer ➔ SPA ➔ Liaison)

✅ WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A CORPORATION NOT HAVING ONE?

a) Government offices like OBO will reject, archive, or freeze applications to prevent unauthorized building construction or fraudulent property encumbrances.
b) Any officer or employee who signs documents without actual Board authorization can be held personally liable for damages to third parties or face corporate liability.

Article by: Lex Ursabia
Illustration by: Ar. Lloyd

05/10/2026

Happy World Architecture Day!

Today, the Office of the Building Official (OBO) - Mandaue City joins the global community in celebrating World Architecture Day!

We extend our warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all architects, urban planners, engineers, and master builders, especially those right here in Mandaue City, who work tirelessly to design, build, and transform our built environment into safe, resilient, sustainable, and beautiful spaces.

Your vision, creativity, and dedication continue to shape the skyline and future of our community.

Happy World Architecture Day from all of us at OBO Mandaue! ❤️💙

Article by: Ar. Lloyd
Images & Illustration: Ar. Lloyd

05/10/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐏 𝟑𝟒𝟒 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐖

As design professionals and builders, our responsibility extends beyond aesthetics and structural integrity. We have a profound duty to ensure that the spaces we create are inclusive and usable by everyone, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In our country, this responsibility is codified under Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, or the Accessibility Law. This landmark legislation (enacted in 1983 and supported by its updated Implementing Rules and Regulations) mandates that public and private buildings must be accessible to PWDs.

But it’s not just a set of dimension standards, it's a critical legal requirement for permitting and a cornerstone of ethical building design.

𝐁𝐏 𝟑𝟒𝟒 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐁𝐎 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧:

You cannot separate good building design from BP 344 compliance. Furthermore, the Office of the Building Official (OBO) ensures you don't.

Here is why it is critical:

✅ A Legal Requirement for OBO Approval: BP 344 is an integral part of the National Building Code of the Philippines. Before the our office (OBO) can issue a Building Permit, your submitted plans and specifications must be strictly audited for accessibility features. A building that does not meet BP 344 standards is non-compliant and cannot be permitted.

✅ Required for the Certificate of Occupancy: Compliance doesn't end with design. In OBO Mandaue City, our OBO inspectors will verify the actual construction of these features (e.g., correct ramp slopes, proper grab bar placement) during the final inspection. If the built environment fails these checks, you will not receive your Certificate of Occupancy, meaning the building cannot be legally opened.

✅ Driving Building Design: BP 344 serves as a crucial design driver. Architects must integrate these parameters from the conceptual phase, not as an afterthought. Designing with these standards at the outset prevents costly retrofits and results in a more cohesive, functional space for all users.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐏𝟑𝟒𝟒 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?

BP 344 is not about adding a checklist item or a burdensome regulatory cost. It is about protecting human dignity and ensuring spatial equity.

When we strictly adhere to these standards, we empower individuals to navigate their environment with independence, safety, and confidence. A successful design seamlessly integrates accessibility, proving that an inclusive space can also be a beautiful space.

🛡️ OBO Mandaue City actively upholds universal accessibility standards through rigorous plan checking and technical reviews. By enforcing these critical guidelines, we aim to foster an inclusive, safe, and accessible built environment for every Mandauehanon.

Article by: Ar. Lloyd
Illustration by: Ar. Lloyd

05/10/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

Reflecting on the energy from the Building Green Conference 2026 at Ascott BGC, one thing is abundantly clear: true sustainable transformation isn't built in isolation, it’s forged through collaboration.

Our delegation from the Office of the Building Official, led by Engr. Crystal Comon (Building Official - Mandaue City), together with Ar. Joseph Judilla (OBO Head of Processing) and Engr. Reiner Englis (OBO Head of Enforcement), stood at the forefront of these crucial conversations.

It was a momentous milestone, reinforcing that Mandaue isn't just dreaming of green development, we are actively paving the way.

Article by: Ar. Lloyd
Images by: Engr. Crystal

02/10/2026

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 (𝐒𝐏𝐀) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬?

Ever tried transacting with a government office on behalf of a family member or friend, only to be turned away because you didn't have an "SPA"?

Planning to file a Building Permit, request architectural/structural plan approvals, or process property documents on behalf of a lot or building owner?

We at the Office of the Building Official (OBO) Mandaue City, just like other government agencies, require a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) before processing your application!

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is an express legal mandate required for an agent to perform acts involving ownership, real property rights, or any other acts of strict dominion.

Since applications before the Office of the Building Official (OBO) may affect real property rights, structural obligations, safety compliance, and land use, a representative must have express and specific authority from the property owner. Agency is not presumed, so the OBO should exercise due diligence in verifying the representative’s authority before processing applications.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐁𝐎 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐏𝐀?

To ensure your SPA is legally valid and accepted on your first visit, check that it contains these crucial elements:

✅ Specific and Explicit Authority
Example: "to apply for, sign, and claim Building and Occupancy Permits for Lot No. X, TCT No. Y before the Office of the Building Official"

Not sufficient: Vague, blanket phrases like "to execute all necessary acts" are generally insufficient for acts of strict ownership.

✅ SPA Must Be Notarized

✅ Valid IDs & Matching Signatures (all signatures shall be wet-ink and original. Electronic or digital signatures shall not be accepted.)

What are the risks of NOT having an SPA?

Attempting to process official applications or sign plans on behalf of someone else without a valid SPA carries serious legal and practical consequences:

✅ Under Articles 1317 and 1403 of the Civil Code, any contract or official act entered into in the name of another without legal authority is unenforceable against the owner unless expressly ratified.
✅ Immediate Rejection at the Counter
This is to prevent fraudulent or unauthorized property alterations.

✅ Personal Liability for the Agent who acts without or beyond the authority.

✅ Without written authority, it might result to invalidation of issued permits.

Article By: Lex Ursabia
Illustration By: Ar. Lloyd

02/10/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐭?

Ever wondered why the National Building Code won't allow you to cover your entire property with concrete? When you submit your building plans to the Office of the Building Official (OBO), you’ll often hear our Architects mention four important acronyms: PSO, ISA, USA, and TOSL.

These aren't just technical terms, they are essential safeguards that keep our community safe, cool, and flood-resilient! Here is what they mean for your property:

𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍

✅ PSO (Percentage of Site Occupancy) - This is the maximum percentage of your Total Lot Area (TLA) that your building footprint can actually occupy at ground level. Under the law, a portion of your lot must always remain open.

✅ ISA (Impervious Surface Area) - These are paved open spaces outside your main building, like concrete driveways, paved carports, patios, and tiled courtyards. Because water cannot pass through these hard surfaces, they are classified as "impervious".

✅ USA (Unpaved Surface Area) - This is the true open space on your lot! It consists of unpaved, exposed soil, grass, and softscaping/gardens that allow rainwater to naturally filter into the ground.

✅ TOSL (Total Open Space within Lot) - This is the total required open area on your property, combining both paved open spaces (ISA) and unpaved green spaces (USA).

❓ Why Do We Strictly Implement These Rules?
Implementing Rule VIII of the National Building Code (PD 1096) isn't about limiting your land, it’s about protecting your investment and neighborhood:

✅Flood Prevention: Unpaved Surface Area (USA) lets the earth act as a natural sponge, absorbing rainwater so it doesn't overflow onto neighboring streets and drainage systems.

✅Cooler Neighborhoods: Too much concrete (ISA) traps heat and raises temperatures. Green open spaces help cool down your home and lower energy costs.

✅Natural Light & Fresh Air: Open spaces ensure every room gets adequate sunlight and airflow, preventing dark, suffocating structures.

✅Safety & Emergency Clearance: Setbacks and open yards act as fire barriers and safe dispersal zones during emergencies like fires or earthquakes.

💬 A Friendly Reminder from OBO: Before starting your design or renovation, work closely with your licensed Architect or Civil Engineer to ensure your site development plan satisfies the minimum open space requirements for your zoning classification.

Article by: Ar. Krizha
Illustration by: Ar. Lloyd

30/09/2026

𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄: 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒?

When property owners apply to renovate or expand an existing building, our primary goal at the Office of the Building Official (OBO) is to ensure public safety, legal compliance, and orderly urban development.

Property owners should be aware of standard regulatory procedures regarding existing structures:

✅ Treating Applications as New Submissions: Any proposal to renovate, expand, or add to an existing unpermitted or non-compliant structure, such as those lacking required setbacks, fire safety easements, or minimum parking space, shall be processed as a new building permit application. The entire property will be required to comply fully with current National Building Code standards and local ordinance regulations.

✅ Mandatory Rectification: Before any new permit or expansion can be approved, the existing structure must be rectified and upgraded to comply fully with the National Building Code and local zoning ordinances.

✅ Heritage Exceptions: Exemption from standard setback or layout adjustments is strictly reserved for declared Heritage Houses or Historical Structures, which are governed by specialized conservation guidelines.

☑️ Planning an expansion or renovation? Consult Registered and Licensed Architects and Engineers early in your design process to ensure your plans align with current safety and code standards before construction begins.

❌ The Office of the Building Official Mandaue City strictly prohibits the submission of plans prepared by draftspersons or technicians without the direct supervision, signature, and seal of a Registered and Licensed Professionals.

Article by: Ar. Lloyd
Illustration by: Ar. Lloyd

30/09/2026

𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐂𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓💗

Dako ang pasalamat sa mga kawani sa OBO Mandaue sa libreng nail care gikan sa mga estudyante sa Beauty Care / Nail Care program, usa sa mga scholarship initiative ubos sa opisina ni Congresswoman Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon.

Salamat kaayo, Congresswoman Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon-Dizon, sa kanunayng paghunahuna sa gipanginahanglan sa komunidad ug sa paghatag og oportunidad sa atong mga scholars. Salamat sab kang Mr. Dom Duran sa pag facilitate ani nga inisyatiba. Sa atong mga nail care scholars, daghang salamat pagbalik sa inyong panahon ug sa nindot nga serbisyo! Ipadayon ninyo ang inyong kaayo ug pagpalambo sa inyong talento!

29/09/2026

𝐎𝐁𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 & 𝐎𝐁𝐎 𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐔-𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐔 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

Growth doesn't stop at city boundaries. To keep pace with Metro Cebu's rapid dynamic, OBO Mandaue City and OBO Lapu-Lapu City teamed up for a collaborative benchmark on signage and billboard governance. From policy frameworks to field enforcement, both teams shared strategies to eliminate bottlenecks, raise structural safety standards, and deliver a more seamless experience for the public.

OBO Mandaue City

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

30/09/2026

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

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