DENR probes Slater Young’s Monterrazas de Cebu after Typhoon ‘Tino’ floods

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Friday, November 7, that it has launched a review of Young’s project, located on the mountainside of Barangay Guadalupe in Cebu City.

The DENR said the technical team will begin a “comprehensive on-site investigation” on Friday to determine whether the Monterrazas de Cebu project complies with the conditions of its environmental compliance certificate and other existing regulations.

The probe will also cover the project’s drainage system, slope protection and runoff management — key structural components given its design to “cascade” from the mountain rather than rise vertically. Young had said in 2023 that the development was inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces.

RELATED: Expert identifies environmental problems with Slater Young’s Banaue Rice Terraces-inspired real estate project

After Typhoon “Tino” displaced thousands in Cebu, Young again faced criticism over Monterrazas. Many online users blamed the project for worsening floods, while experts warned it could pose serious risks without proper flood control systems.

Now, the public is concerned that low-lying neighboring communities may be affected by the construction. What will the DENR do about it?

What the probe will assess

The DENR said it will assess potential risks of landslides and flooding linked to the project’s construction, as well as the impact of altering the natural landform of the mountainside and possible deforestation.

Another priority of the inspection is to identify any signs of erosion, siltation or blockages in nearby tributaries and waterways that may have resulted from the project’s construction.

The DENR said it has directed the project’s proponent, led by Young, to fulfill its obligation to submit an engineering, geological, and geohazard assessment, which will be verified by the technical inspection team.

“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,” the agency said.

The joint inspection team includes technical experts from the DENR’s regional office in Cebu, the Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices, and representatives from the Cebu City Government and Barangay Guadalupe.

“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,” DENR said.

The agency said it will provide regular updates to the public on the progress and findings of the technical evaluation.

While Young has yet to issue a statement as of writing, he has previously said that the Monterrazas project is committed to sustainability and environmental compliance, supported by a team that includes sustainability experts, architects and engineers. — Dominique Nicole Flores