Environmental Officials Launch Probe Into Cebu Development After Widespread Flooding
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office has initiated a comprehensive multi-agency investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu development project. This decisive action comes in response to the severe flooding that overwhelmed parts of Cebu City during the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino.
Multi-Agency Inspection Team Assembled
In an official statement released on Friday, November 7, 2025, the DENR announced it has formed a Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team. This specialized group brings together technical experts from multiple agencies including DENR 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, alongside representatives from the Cebu City Government and Barangay Guadalupe.
The investigation team began its on-site assessment on Friday, focusing on several critical areas. Primary objectives include verifying the project's adherence to its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) conditions and other environmental regulations. The team will thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness of drainage systems, slope protection measures, and runoff management infrastructure.
Comprehensive Environmental Assessment Underway
Inspectors are conducting a detailed examination of multiple environmental factors. The investigation will assess slope stability and potential risks of landslides and flooding. Furthermore, the team will determine whether there have been any unauthorized alterations to natural landforms, possible encroachments into protected timberland areas, or evidence of erosion, siltation, and obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
The DENR has formally directed the project proponent to submit its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment for validation by the inspection team. The department issued a strong warning that any verified violations of ECC conditions or environmental regulations would result in immediate corrective measures.
"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," the DENR statement emphasized. The department reaffirmed its commitment to balancing development with environmental protection and ensuring all projects operate in full compliance with environmental laws.
Barangay Youth Council Calls for Separate Investigation
Simultaneously, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Guadalupe has taken independent action by filing Barangay Resolution 25-145, approved on November 5. The resolution demands accountability for what it describes as "unprecedented flooding" that submerged areas of Guadalupe and neighboring barangays during Typhoon Tino.
In a Facebook post on Friday, SK Chairperson Matt Estenzo highlighted the severity of the flooding situation. He reported that floodwaters in Banawa Creek, particularly near MHAM College and Bo's Coffee Banawa, reached waist-deep levels and spread downstream to affect Labangon, Tisa, and Mambaling.
Estenzo made a significant observation that the floodwaters carried visible traces of anapog (limestone), suggesting possible soil disturbance originating from upland development projects. The resolution formally urges the Cebu City Government, DENR, MGB, Cebu City Cenro, and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to conduct technical inspections of all retention ponds within the Monterrazas development.
"We must act now before it's too late. Padayon ta for a safer Guadalupe and Cebu City," Estenzo stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the flooding concerns. The DENR has committed to providing regular updates to the public as the joint technical evaluation progresses.
