Pinoyjuander takes a closer look at the growing public discussion surrounding Slater Young and his high-profile real estate development, The Rise at Monterrazas, as new criticism emerges following the devastating floods in Cebu caused by Typhoon Tino.
The recent disaster, which left over a hundred people dead and displaced thousands of residents across the Visayas region, has once again put the spotlight on the controversial hillside project located in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Public Scrutiny Reignites After Cebu Flooding
The flooding that struck Cebu in early November has reopened old wounds and reignited conversations about urban development and environmental responsibility. As of November 6, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 114 fatalities due to Typhoon Tino, while thousands of families were forced to evacuate their homes.
Amid these events, Slater Young, a civil engineer turned celebrity influencer, faced renewed backlash for his large-scale real estate project The Rise at Monterrazas. The project, first revealed publicly in 2023, was envisioned as a “terraced, Banaue Rice Terraces-inspired” residential complex built on the mountain slopes of Guadalupe.
The design, according to its developers, aimed to integrate modern living with natural landscapes while applying advanced flood and slope protection systems. However, many netizens and environmental advocates questioned the long-term sustainability of such developments — particularly after the recent floods that affected the low-lying areas near the site.
Social Media Reactions and Local Concerns
Cebuanos took to social media to express frustration, sharing stories of worsening floods in the city since large-scale hillside constructions began.
“It never flooded in Guadalupe before. But when Monterrazas started construction in 2007, it slowly began, and this week, it’s worse than ever,” one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.
Another resident added,
“We prepared for Typhoon Tino, but not for Monterrazas’ sudden water flow. We ended up swimming in mocha-colored floodwater from the mountain. They said they had top-notch flood control — but that’s only for their area, not for the community below.”
These posts quickly went viral, sparking debates about the accountability of private developers and the oversight of local government authorities in approving hillside housing projects.
The Monterrazas Development: A Closer Look
The Rise at Monterrazas is a high-end residential project situated within the 200-hectare Monterrazas de Cebu property — one of the largest hillside developments in the city. Promoted as a world-class community with eco-friendly architecture, the project was designed to feature terraced homes with panoramic views of Cebu City and the sea.
According to Slater Young, the concept was inspired by sustainable design principles and aimed to balance engineering innovation with nature conservation. In earlier interviews, he explained that the development followed “strict safety and drainage protocols” and had been reviewed by government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Cebu City Planning and Development Office.
However, environmental experts have long warned that any construction on mountain slopes — even when compliant with regulations — can disrupt natural water absorption and drainage patterns. This can lead to increased runoff and potential flooding in lower-lying communities during heavy rains.
Critics Call for Review of Urban Development Policies
Urban planners and environmental groups in Cebu have used the recent flooding as a wake-up call for both developers and policymakers. They emphasize the need for stricter evaluation of hillside projects and more transparent environmental impact assessments (EIA).
Some experts argue that developments like Monterrazas should undergo revalidation given the changing climate patterns and the increasing intensity of typhoons. “What was safe ten years ago might not be safe now,” one engineer said, pointing out that the effects of urban expansion and deforestation have already altered Cebu’s natural drainage systems.
Civic organizations are also urging the local government to revisit the city’s zoning and building policies, ensuring that large-scale projects are not only structurally sound but also socially and environmentally responsible.
Slater Young’s Response to the Backlash
As of this writing, Slater Young has not issued a formal public statement addressing the renewed backlash. However, in past interviews and vlogs, he defended The Rise at Monterrazas, asserting that all permits were legally obtained and that the project met national and local safety standards.
In a 2023 video, Young explained that the project’s drainage and slope stabilization systems were engineered to handle heavy rainfall and to prevent landslides or runoff. He stressed that the construction followed “responsible engineering practices” and that misinformation about the project’s impact had circulated online before.
While Slater Young acknowledged the public’s concern, he encouraged constructive dialogue and said he remained open to working with environmental experts and government agencies to ensure transparency and safety compliance.
A Broader Issue Beyond One Development
The Monterrazas controversy highlights a larger and ongoing challenge in the Philippines — balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability. Cebu, one of the country’s fastest-developing urban hubs, has seen a rapid rise in hillside housing and commercial projects, often marketed to middle- and upper-class residents.
But as Typhoon Tino demonstrated, unchecked urbanization can amplify the effects of natural disasters. When forests are cleared and slopes are altered, the land’s natural capacity to absorb water diminishes — turning rainfall into runoff and runoff into floods.
Experts warn that without proper environmental safeguards and continuous monitoring, even well-intentioned projects could unintentionally worsen disaster risks.
Moving Forward: Accountability and Sustainability
As public attention grows, local officials are expected to review existing environmental permits and construction clearances in Cebu’s hillside areas. Some groups are calling for a temporary suspension of new developments pending a full environmental reassessment.
For Slater Young, this renewed scrutiny is a test of both professional credibility and public trust. As an engineer and influencer, his words carry significant weight among young Filipinos who look up to him for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding The Rise at Monterrazas may push the conversation forward — urging developers, engineers, and policymakers to rethink how progress and sustainability can truly coexist in a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines..
