The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started an investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu hillside project in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, following widespread flooding and reports of soil movement caused by Typhoon Tino.
A technical team composed of representatives from the DENR, 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 officials has been deployed to the area.
The group is tasked with assessing whether the development complied with its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations. The inspection covers the project’s drainage layout, slope protection systems, runoff management, and slope stability to determine if any construction activities contributed to flooding or erosion in nearby communities.
Authorities will also review technical documents submitted by the project’s developer, including engineering, geological, and geohazard reports, to verify if the site modifications affected water flow or encroached into classified timberland zones.
DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Melicor Jr. said that depending on the outcome of the investigation, the agency may impose penalties, order corrective measures, or suspend operations should violations be found.
The Monterrazas de Cebu project has drawn public attention after the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Tino triggered floods across parts of Cebu City, raising questions about the impact of large-scale hillside developments on urban safety and drainage systems.
The DENR said updates will be released once the technical team completes its evaluation and submits its official findings.
