The land dispute over the Xavier University (XU) Manresa development project in Cagayan de Oro City has entered a new phase as the Concerned XU Alumni, Parents, Teachers, and Community, Inc. (COPTAC), backed by a Makati-based law firm, elevated its appeal to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office.

As the group appeals the case to the DENR Central Office, Makati-based Vera law firm joins the legal team representing COPTAC.

In their memorandum of appeal, the group seeks to reverse and set aside the June 23, 2026 resolution of DENR-10, which affirmed XU’s legal rights to the Manresa property. DENR-10 ruled that there is no legal basis to revert or cancel the university’s property titles.

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

However, the group maintained that the property is a government grant with a prohibition against any use of commercial purpose.

In the appeal, the group argued that the alleged sale of part of the Manresa property to facilitate commercial development runs contrary to the legal conditions governing XU’s ownership of the land.

The group also urged the DENR Secretary to declare XU’s sales patent effectively rescinded and endorse the instant complaint to the Office of the Solicitor General for its evaluation and the filing of reversion proceedings in favor of the state.

The group is still waiting for the decision of the DENR Central Office.

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.