DENR to probe Monterrazas residential project in Cebu 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday announced it is launching an investigation into the environmental laws compliance of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project, a mountainside residential project being blamed for aggravated flooding in the southern Philippine province following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

In a statement, the DENR said it convened a multistakeholder “Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team” to “ensure thorough and impartial review of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project.”

The Environment department said it is committed to protecting communities and upholding environmental laws.

The convened team is composed of technical experts from the DENR Region 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cebu, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cebu City, the Cebu City Government, and Barangay Guadalupe.

The DENR said the team is tasked to conduct a comprehensive on-site investigation, beginning November 7, to determine the following:

• The project’s compliance with the conditions of its ECC and other environmental regulations
• The effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection, and runoff management systems
• The stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding
• Possible alterations to the natural landform and proximity to timberland areas
• Evidence of erosion, siltation, or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways 

The Monterrazas de Cebu is developed by The Mont Property Group, a subsidiary of 8990 Holdings Inc.

GMA News Online reached out to 8990 Holdings for comment through its external communications consultant. The story will be updated once a response has been received.

“In the meantime, the Department has directed the project proponent to adhere to its obligation to report its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment,” the DENR said.

“Compliance to this requirement will be validated by the joint inspection team,” it added.

The mountainside residential project, designed by celebrity engineer Slater Young, is once again facing public backlash amid claims that the development exacerbated flooding in Cebu City during the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Tino.

“If the investigation finds any violation of ECC conditions or environmental regulations, the DENR will not hesitate to enforce corrective actions, including suspension, penalties, or other legal remedies as provided by law,” DENR said.

The agency said it remains steadfast in its mission to balance development with environmental protection and to ensure that every project operates in full compliance with the law.

“Updates will be shared with the public regarding the joint technical evaluation,” the DENR said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News