The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has assured thorough and impartial review of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.
DENR, in a statement on November 7, 2025, said that the agency has convened a multistakeholder joint inspection, investigation, and assessment team of technical experts from the DENR 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB 7), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 7), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cebu, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cebu City, the Cebu City Government, and Barangay Guadalupe.
The team is tasked to conduct a comprehensive on-site investigation, beginning November 7, to determine the project’s compliance with the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and other environmental regulations, the effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection, and runoff management systems; the stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding; possible alterations to the natural landform and proximity to timberland areas; and evidence of erosion, siltation, or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
“In the meantime, the Department has directed the project proponent to adhere to its obligation to report its Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment. Compliance to this requirement will be validated by the joint inspection team,” DENR also said.
“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 warned.
DENR vowed to share with the public details on the technical evaluation. “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. Updates will be shared with the public regarding the joint technical evaluation,” it added.
CONTROVERSIAL REAL ESTATE PROJECT
A report on GMA Entertainment, the official entertainment site of GMA Network, said that former Pinoy Big Brother winner Slater Young whose hillside project, The Rise at Monterrazas, draws flak following the devastating Cebu floods caused by Typhoon Tino.
"The typhoon's aftermath sparked discussions online about Slater's controversial real estate project which some netizens believe may have contributed to the massive flooding," the report on November 7, 2025 said.
The high-end, “terraced, Banaue-inspired” residential development is located in Barangay Guadalupe and was launched in 2023.
"Netizens expressed outrage over large-scale construction projects on mountain slopes like Slater's, noting that the intense flooding submerged several barangays and thousands of homes. Many also pointed out that Cebu has never experienced such severe flooding before," the report added.
In 2023, netizens had already questioned Young's large-scale project, warning it could trigger landslides and flooding.
In past interviews, Young defended the development, saying it underwent more than 300 design revisions to “ensure environmental safety and structural stability.”
The report also cited that Young previously denied accusations from netizens claiming he benefited from taxpayers' money as a government contractor.
As of November 7, the reported death toll from Typhoon Tino has risen to 188 in Cebu Province and nearby regions.
