The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched an investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu estate to evaluate whether it is in compliance with environmental laws and look into potential threats posed by its structures, it announced on Friday.
“To ensure thorough and impartial review of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project, the Department today convened a multistakeholder Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team of technical experts from the DENR Region 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, the Cebu City Government, and Barangay Guadalupe,” the DENR said in a statement.
Starting on November 7, this team will be carrying out an on-site investigation to assess whether the project complies with the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations.
Moreover, it will examine the effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection, and runoff management systems, the stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding, and how the project has altered the natural landform and its proximity to timberland areas.
Lastly, the team is also tasked to recover evidence of erosion, siltation, or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways, if there is any found.
Meanwhile, the project proponent has been ordered to “adhere to its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment.”
Should the investigation establish any violation of the ECC or environmental regulations, the DENR vows it will “not hesitate to enforce corrective actions,” which may entail suspension, penalties, or other legal remedies.
Celebrity engineer Slater Young has come under fire for his controversial hillside development project, “The Rise at Monterrazas.”
Critics said that the project has severely compromised the area’s ability to absorb rainwater, resulting in landslides and flooding.
