After mounting pushback from the public after Typhoon Tino.
In a statement on Friday, November 7, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that it is launching a “thorough and impartial review of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project.”
This is in response to the swirling criticisms online regarding the project following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), with residents and netizens alike linked it to the flooding and landslides in the area surrounding it.
According to the DENR, it had convened a multi-stakeholder Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team.
The group comprises 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 team is tasked to conduct a comprehensive on-site investigation, beginning November 7, to determine aspects of the project.
Foremost is to check whether the project is in compliance with the conditions of its ECC and other environmental regulations.
Next, the effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection, and runoff management systems; as well as the stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding and possible alterations to the natural landform and proximity to timberland areas.
They will also look for evidence of erosion, siltation, or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
“In the meantime, the Department has directed the project proponent to adhere to its obligation to report its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment. Compliance to this requirement will be validated by the joint inspection team,” the DENR noted.
The department also added that 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.“
“We remain steadfast in our mission to balance development with environmental protection and to ensure that every project operates in full compliance with the law.”
Lastly, the DENR assured that updates will be shared with the public regarding the joint technical evaluation.