The Philippine Association of Building Officials-Misamis Oriental Chapter, in coordination with the National Statistics Office (NSO), will be hosting the First National Convention of Building Officials on March 23-25, 2000 at the Grand Caprice, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. The activity will have for its theme: "Bahay Ko, Karapatan Ko: Kaakbay ang Gobyerno Para sa Pangatlong Milenyo."

The convention aims to bring together city/municipal building officials in the country for the development of a well-coordinated system for the generation of improved construction statistics for government planners and policy makers. Likewise, the occasion intends to provide a forum for the discussion of current issues and concerns affecting the construction industry.

NSO Administrator Tomas Africa will be the keynote speaker. Also expected to grace the gathering as guest speaker is Congressman Constantino Jaraula of the Lone District of Cagayan de Oro. Other important guests include Misamis Oriental Governor Antonio Calingin, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano and Regional Director Dorothy Jean Pabayo of the Department of Tourism-Region 10.

Well-known and respected resource persons in the industry will present technical papers on selected subject matters during the convention. Topics include, among others, the housing needs in the Philippines in the third millennium and the corresponding government programs and policies, the role of various government agencies in housing, building and road projects, and the importance of constructions statistics for policy implementation. Discussions on the existing laws on urban development, environment and fire protection code and its effects have, likewise, been lined-up. Moreover, Dr. Primitivo Cal, Legal Counsel of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, shall act as moderator on the presentation and discussion of issues and challenges in the implementation of the Building Code of the Philippines as well as the proposal for its amendments.