The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Northern Mindanao has upheld the legality of Xavier University’s land deal with Cebu Landmasters Inc. in Cagayan de Oro City.
In a decision released Tuesday, DENR-10 officer-in-charge Ronald Gadot ruled that the joint venture between Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and CLI was valid.
The ruling found no legal ground to cancel the university’s title over its 647,211-square-meter property.
The case stemmed from a petition filed by the Concerned XU Alumni, Parents, Teachers, and Community Inc., which questioned the sale and development of the land.
The group argued that the transaction violated the Public Land Act, claiming the property should be used only for educational purposes and should revert to the government after its transfer to CLI.
DENR-10, however, said later amendments under Presidential Decree 763 had removed restrictions that would have barred the university from entering into the joint venture.
The disputed Manresa property originated from a 1958 government grant to Xavier University for educational use. The university plans to develop 14.6 hectares to help fund its 21-hectare Campus of the Future while keeping a 28-hectare forest reserve.
The joint venture, known as the Masterson Campus and Manresa Town, is expected to include residential, commercial, and educational components. CLI has started preselling units, with its first residential project reportedly generating Php 4 billion in sales within two days, while the petitioners said they would continue monitoring the case.