DID Slater Young’s hillside project worsen Cebu’s flooding? The former Pinoy Big Brother winner is facing intense social media backlash, with many suggesting his The Rise at Monterrazas development contributed to the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino.
The Rise at Monterrazas, a high-end, “terraced, Banaue-inspired” residential development located in Barangay Guadalupe, was launched in 2023. Netizens have expressed outrage over large-scale construction projects on mountain slopes, arguing that they exacerbate flooding risks. Many pointed out that Cebu has never experienced such intense flooding before, with the recent typhoon submerging numerous barangays and thousands of homes. Concerns have also been raised about Cebu’s dwindling forest cover, which is now estimated to be only around 1% of its original extent.
Concerns about Slater Young’s project are not new. Back in 2023, netizens questioned the large-scale development, warning that it could potentially trigger landslides and flooding. These concerns have resurfaced in the wake of Typhoon Tino’s devastating impact. In past interviews, Young has defended the development, stating that it underwent more than 300 design revisions to “ensure environmental safety and structural stability.” He has also denied accusations that he benefited from taxpayers’ money as a government contractor.
The controversy comes as Cebu province and nearby regions grapple with the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, which has claimed the lives of at least 188 people as of November 7. The disaster has intensified the debate surrounding hillside developments and their potential environmental impact, placing Slater Young’s project firmly in the spotlight.
