By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Acting upon calls for an in-depth look into the possible factors behind the widespread floods in Visayas during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, the agency is now probing a mountainside real estate development in Cebu to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
In a statement on Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) noted such a way to look into unregulated development in the Visayan island province, which was touted among major contributors for the inundation of houses and other properties during Tino’s passage across Visayas.
“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is committed to protect communities and uphold environmental laws. 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.”
The team is composed 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 LGU.
Among the aspects of the project that the agency will scrutinize are its compliance with the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations, as well as the effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection, and water runoff management systems.
Experts will also assess the stability of slopes and gauge potential landslide and flooding risks, with the project proponent directed to cooperate with the joint inspection team.
Any violations unearthed by the investigation will lead to the enforcement of corrective actions, including suspension, penalties, or other legal repercussions for the project’s proponent and developer in full compliance with the law.
Other causes on top of ‘ghost’ and anomalous flood control projects cited as aggravating circumstances behind the massive floods in Cebu were deforestation and illegal quarrying.
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