Monterrazas de Cebu development under scrutiny

Local

OFFICIALS of a barangay in Cebu City that suffered waist-deep flooding at the height of Typhoon Tino are demanding answers from a controversial hillside development.

Barangay Guadalupe officials have unanimously approved a resolution calling for a full technical investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu development, after Typhoon Tino caused severe flooding in Banawa and parts of Guadalupe Proper.

Through Resolution No. 25-145, passed on Nov. 5, the Barangay Council cited multiple reports from affected sitios that the water retention ponds and drainage systems of Monterrazas de Cebu “may have contributed to unusually high volumes of surface runoff during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.”

In a copy of the resolution sent to MyTV Cebu, the measure noted that downstream communities “experienced significant flooding, soil saturation, and slope instability, which may be linked to upstream land development activities and modifications to natural stormwater pathways.”

The resolution emphasizes that large-scale hillside and subdivision developments are required by law to secure proper clearances and technical approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Cebu City Government, including drainage plans, slope protection designs, environmental compliance documents, and geohazard assessments.

It also cited the Barangay’s duty under Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) to adopt measures “that protect the environment, safeguard residents, and elevate concerns to appropriate regulatory agencies when community safety and ecological stability may be compromised.”

Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Matthew Jose Estenzo, who filed the measure, highlighted the severity of flooding in Banawa.

“We are not talking enough about Banawa Creek,” he said.

“The recurring flood near MHAM and Bo’s Coffee Banawa has now reached waist-deep levels with mocha-colored floodwater, hitting homes that have never flooded before." he added.

Estenzo said Banawa Creek, which connects to the Arrabal River in Mambaling and passes through Labangon and Tisa, also experienced flooding with traces of anapog (limestone).

“We must act now before it’s too late. Padayon ta for a safer Guadalupe and Cebu City,” he said.

The resolution formally requests the DENR, MGB, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) to conduct a comprehensive technical inspection of Monterrazas’ retention ponds, drainage infrastructure, and slope conditions.

It also calls on the Cebu City Government, through CCENRO and CCDRRMO, to lead an ocular inspection, with Barangay officials providing site access, documentation, geo-tagging, and incident mapping of all affected or at-risk areas.

Developers are invited to participate in a public dialogue to present “all relevant permits, drainage and engineering plans, compliance documents, and flood mitigation measures.”

All councilors and the SK chair voted in favor, with only Councilor Eugenio Faelnar absent due to sick leave.

The DENR has also launched a separate multi-agency investigation into Monterrazas de Cebu to determine compliance with environmental laws and conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate.

A Joint Inspection, Investigation, and Assessment Team composed of experts from DENR 7, the Environmental Management Bureau, MGB, provincial and community environment offices, and Cebu City representatives will assess drainage and slope protection systems, runoff management, flood and landslide risks, erosion, siltation, and obstructions in nearby waterways.

The project proponent has been asked to submit its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment report for validation.

The DENR warned that violations may result in suspension, penalties, or other legal remedies and said it will release updates to the public as the investigation continues.(MyTVCebu)