The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Friday it launched a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu Project to ensure its compliance with environmental laws and its environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
It issued the statement following heated online discussions about the mountainside residential project endorsed by engineer and content creator Slater Young following the massive flooding in Cebu province.
The DENR said it convened a joint inspection, investigation and assessment team to begin a thorough on-site investigation.
It said the team of technical experts includes representatives from DENR Region 7, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7), the 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 team was tasked to determine the project’s adherence to 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 its proximity to timberland areas; and evidence of erosion, siltation or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
The DENR noted its commitment to protecting communities and upholding environmental laws, saying it would not hesitate to enforce corrective actions, including suspension, penalties or other legal remedies, if the investigation finds any violation of ECC conditions or environmental regulations.
The DENR said it also directed the project proponent to immediately report its engineering, geological and Geohazard assessment, a requirement that would be validated by the joint inspection team.
The department also pledged to share updates with the public regarding the joint technical evaluation.
