Cebu City Mayor Orders Inspection of Controversial Hillside Development
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has directed the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to conduct a thorough inspection of the Monterrazas de Cebu development in Barangay Guadalupe. This action comes in response to numerous complaints from residents who claim the project has worsened flooding in surrounding areas.
The inspection was carried out on Friday, November 7, 2025, following a surge of online posts and reports linking the hillside development to recent flash floods that affected southern barangays of the city. The project is owned by engineer and celebrity Slater Young.
"There are so many complaints. That's why we sent Cenro and the MGB. We'll wait for their official report," Mayor Archival stated during a press conference held on Monday, November 10, 2025.
City Government Awaits Inspection Results
Archival confirmed that the inspection team has committed to submitting their findings promptly. The City Government has pledged to follow whatever recommendations emerge from the official report.
"If the report advised closing the project, they would comply, but if it recommended expanding the catchment area to benefit the city and the people living downstream, they would allow it," Archival emphasized, highlighting the administration's commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
The mayor, who has been in office for only five months, acknowledged that he's still determining whether previous city administrations had taken regulatory action against the Monterrazas project. "I've only been mayor for 150 days, and I have no idea yet if there was a cease and desist order. If there was, let's find out who issued it and what happened after," he added.
Multiple Investigations Underway
Simultaneously, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office has initiated a multi-agency investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu project. This probe was launched following severe flooding in Cebu City during typhoon Tino.
The investigating team began their on-site assessment on Friday, November 7, 2025, to verify whether the project complies with its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations. Inspectors are examining:
- Possible changes to natural landforms
- Encroachments on timberland areas
- Signs of erosion, siltation, or blockages in nearby waterways
The DENR has required the project developer to submit its Engineering, Geological and Geohazard Assessment for validation. The department has warned that any violations could result in corrective actions including suspension, fines, or other legal measures.
Adding to the scrutiny, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Guadalupe has passed a resolution calling for a separate inquiry into the subdivision's drainage and water retention systems.
Clarification on City's Involvement
Mayor Archival took the opportunity to clarify the nature of the City Government's interaction with the project developer. He explained that when Slater Young visited Cebu City in August, his purpose was solely to formally turn over a road and sidewalk project built within the Monterrazas property.
"While there were claims the City Government supported the project, their support was limited to the road construction since it benefited the public," Archival stated. He reiterated that the City would support any initiative that benefits the community while holding developers accountable when necessary.
"If they find something that needs to be fixed, we will make sure the developers act on it," Archival affirmed.
The Monterrazas development, one of Cebu City's largest hillside projects, has faced ongoing scrutiny from residents and environmental groups concerning alleged slope instability and inadequate drainage infrastructure. These concerns have resurfaced with renewed intensity after typhoon Tino triggered heavy flooding across Cebu City last week.
