Total number of approved building permits up by 13.5 percent

The total number of approved building permits in the City of Manila posted an increase from 104 in the first quarter of 2020 to 118 in the first quarter of 2021 that translates to 13.5 percent. 

Similarly, for the National Capital Region, the total approved building permits was higher by 98 projects or 4.9 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

Table 1 presents the total number, floor area, and value of building construction for the City of Manila during the first quarter of 2021 and 2020.

The total number of approved permits for Residential type of buildings for the City of Manila increased by 71.8 percent while the Non-Residential type increased by 91.7 percent during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. The combined number of alterations and repairs of existing structures, however, went down by 46.9 percent from 49 during the first quarter of 2020 to 26 of the same quarter of 2021.

Figure 1 shows the comparison in the number of approved building permits by type of building for the City of Manila during the first quarter of 2021.

Value of building construction decreased by 18.3 percent

The total value of construction plummeted in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020 with 18.3 percent or equivalent to Php 448.6 million. The value for non-residential constructions registered the highest increase with 576.1 percent. However, the value of additions to existing structures decreased by 89.4 percent.

Apartment-type of Residential building obtains the highest number while Residential Condominium gets the biggest value of construction.

Sixty-seven approved applications for Residential building were reported amounting to Php 783.5 million during the first quarter of 2021. Among the types of Residential building, Apartment-type with 35 approved building permits had the most number of contribution of 52.2 percent. On the other hand, the value of construction for Residential Condominium got the biggest share to the gross value with 67.9 percent amounting to 532.2 million.

Commercial-type of Non-Residential building obtains the highest number and the biggest value of construction

Twenty-three approved building permits with a total of Php 1.07 billion for Non-Residential building were constructed during the first quarter of 2021. Commercial-type had the most number with fourteen applications and with the biggest share of 48.6 percent to the value of construction. For this quarter, no permits were listed for Other types of Non-Residential building.

(SGD.) Danilo R. Cubinar
Chief Statistical Specialist