Xavier University (XU)-Ateneo de Cagayan and Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) have welcomed the resolution issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Northern Mindanao (DENR-10), confirming the university’s legal rights to the Manresa property in Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, June 23, 2026, XU said DENR-10 ruled that there is no legal basis to revert or cancel the university’s property titles.

This after a group of XU alumni and concerned citizens petitioned DENR to seize and forfeit the property from XU, claiming that the property is a government grant with a prohibition against any use for commercial purpose.

However, the resolution said DENR-10 found ‘no legal basis to initiate a case for cancellation of original Certificate of Title in the name of Ateneo de Cagayan Inc. and the reversion of the subject land to the mass of public domain of the state.’

XU said the resolution affirmed its legal right to own and develop the land, and completely rejecting all opposing claims.

“Throughout the process, XU and CLI deliberately chose not engage publicly with the project’s detractors, electing instead to let the legal process run its course. We hope these individuals will respect this resolution and refrain from spreading further misinformation,” the statement reads.

In an earlier statement, XU said it plans to develop 14.6 hectares of land to help fund the construction of a 21-hectare “Campus of the Future” that will include a 28-hectare forest reserve along Masterson Avenue.

XU said that the project partnership is legal and that the development will not be delayed.

The school and the developer assured stakeholders and investors that the project remains on track, saying the Masterson Campus will be built despite challenges.

“We are moving forward with the construction of a legacy. The Masterson Campus will be built. The future of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and Cagayan de Oro is non-negotiable,” an earlier statement said.

XU said the project is not merely about constructing buildings but forms part of a bold, forward-looking vision preparing the university for its next 100 years of educational service.

“By relocating, we are building a state-of-the-art, 20-hectare modern campus attached to a 25-hectare protected forest space —a massive service designed to give our students, faculty, and the Cagayan de Oro community the world-class environment they truly deserve,” XU said

On May 28, 2026, XU made a Facebook post showing the status of the development of the ‘Campus of the Future.”

The post said a retaining wall along critical slope areas was constructed to strengthen campus safety.

“By helping prevent soil erosion, stabilizing slopes, protecting nearby infrastructure, and enhancing the safety and welfare of surrounding communities, the project contributes significantly to the university’s commitment to a long-term, responsible, and sustainable campus development,” XU said.