CEBU CITY, Philippines — Engineer and content creator Slater Young has broken his silence to address what he calls “malicious misinformation” regarding his controversial The Rise at Monterrazas project. In a detailed video response posted on Monday, April 20, 2026, Young defended the structural and environmental integrity of the “terrace-style” luxury development following a wave of viral claims alleging the project caused recent landslides in the area.
The controversy was reignited after heavy rains in Cebu led to soil erosion near the construction site, prompting environmental groups and concerned citizens to question the safety of building on the city’s steep ridgelines.
Young addressed specific viral photos circulating on social media which purportedly showed the Monterrazas site collapsing.
- Not Our Site: Young clarified that the most widely shared images of a “landslide” actually featured a different construction project located several kilometers away from the Rise at Monterrazas.
- Controlled Drainage: He emphasized that the project utilizes a “multi-layered detention pond system” designed to catch and slow down rainwater runoff, preventing the “waterfall effect” that often leads to downstream flooding and erosion.
- Engineering Standards: The developer reiterated that the project underwent two years of rigorous geotechnical and environmental impact assessments before breaking ground.
The Rise at Monterrazas gained international attention for its unique architecture, inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces. However, the design has been a lightning rod for criticism:
- The “Sustainable” Label: Critics argue that any large-scale development on protected mountain slopes cannot be truly “sustainable.” Young clapped back by stating the project preserves more green space per unit than traditional horizontal subdivisions.
- Advanced Retaining Walls: To address safety concerns, Young showcased the project’s use of Soil Nailing and Shotcrete technology—methods used to reinforce steep slopes and prevent soil movement.
Despite the online backlash, Young confirmed that the project remains in good standing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
- Valid ECC: The project maintains its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and Young invited independent engineers to review their plans to provide a “fact-based” perspective.
- Commitment to Safety: “We are Cebuanos. We live here. We would never build something that would put our own city or our neighbors at risk,” Young stated in the video.
While the clarification has satisfied some of his followers, local environmental advocates continue to call for a “summit” on Cebu’s highland developments. The local government unit (LGU) has yet to issue a new statement following Young’s latest rebuttal, though inspectors were reportedly seen at the site last Friday for a routine safety audit.