Manila, March 12 -- The city government is looking at the possibility of allotting funds to assist residents in completing the requirements for a building permit, which ensures the safety of structures.

"The city government is taking steps to help residents through the involvement of the barangays by designating their own engineers and other professionals to lessen the cost of the building plan required in applying for a building permit," lawyer Vittorio Jerico Cawis, city administrator, said in an interview Thursday.

Building plans and design cost about PHP20,000 to PHP40,000.

He said that the city government is also eyeing to step in to help fund surveys and engage with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to resolve t...