City government: DENR has final say on detention pond compliance

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s inspection of subdivision detention ponds hinges on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which city officials say has the authority to determine whether detention ponds submitted by developers meet national standards.

“In terms of who or what agency evaluates whether that is accurate or not, it is the DENR,” Mayor Nestor Archival’s chief of staff Kenneth Siasar stressed in yesterday’s press briefing.

So far, 15 subdivisions have submitted reports.

Among those initially inspected were Monterrazas de Cebu, Arcenas Estate, and La Paloma.

Monterrazas was inspected for an entire day, with officials checking multiple detention ponds designed to gradually release water into the drainage system.

La Paloma, on the other hand, was found to have serious deficiencies.

“Daghan man kaayong mga manhole nila nga not functioning. Lisud man sad nga mo-intervene ang Cebu City Government kay private man siya,” Siasar explained, noting that the subdivision had long been turned over to its homeowners’ association.

Siasar clarified that for subdivisions that have already been turned over, the homeowners’ associations are now responsible for responding to city requirements.

“Homeowners are not familiar with the term [detention pond] because detention ponds were not part of earlier development programs,” he said. This has caused delays, as associations regroup to decide what to submit.

He said the inspection list reveals a mix of compliance levels and governance challenges.

Urban Deca Homes Phases 1 and 2 in Tisa submitted their reports on August 17, with reply letters dated August 25. Inspections are ongoing.

Sacred Heart Village in Guadalupe responded on August 26, with compliance still under review.

South Hills in Tisa submitted its report on August 17, with a reply dated September 1, and is awaiting inspection.

Kalea Heights in Guadalupe also submitted its report on August 17, with a reply dated September 2, and is scheduled for inspection.

Two subdivisions, Dona Josefa Village and White Hills, both in Guadalupe, were flagged with the remark “No Homeowners Association.” Dona Josefa submitted on August 20, with a reply dated September 2, while White Hills submitted on August 17, with a reply dated September 4. The absence of organized associations complicates compliance, as there is no formal body to respond to city directives.

Other subdivisions include Monterrazas de Cebu, which was inspected on August 17 with detention ponds present but now under revalidation; Guadalupe Heights, which submitted on August 17 and replied on August 26, with compliance under review; Guada Verde, which submitted on August 17 and replied on August 20, with inspection ongoing; Amari Residence in Tisa, which submitted on August 17 and replied on August 20, with detention pond requirements confirmed; and Arcenas Highlands and Midlands I and II, which all submitted on August 17 and replied on August 25, with inspections continuing.

“Kung pananglitan you have 5 hectares, unya ang 4 hectares cemented… dili na ka-absorb because cemented na ang 4 hectares. So I think they have to come up with guidelines as to the number of detention ponds nga ilang himuon in consideration of the number of hectares nga cemented,” said Siasar as he explained the technical challenge.

Archival’s administration has vowed stricter oversight, but city officials said they are awaiting clear directives from DENR.

“We are strict on requirements,” Siasar said, “but for older developments, we await DENR’s ruling on how to compel compliance.” — (FREEMAN)