Monterrazas de Cebu developer denies role in floods

Mont Property Group, the developer behind the Slater Young–endorsed Monterrazas de Cebu, issued a statement refuting allegations that the project contributed to the severe flooding in Cebu City after Typhoons Tino and Uwan.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Saturday, 15 November, the developer denied the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) claim that Monterrazas de Cebu had cut down more than 700 trees—vegetation that could have served as a natural buffer against floods and landslides.

“Pursuant to our approved Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Development Permit, only shrubs and secondary undergrowth were cleared to facilitate the necessary earthworks,” the company said. It added that its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)–DENR Region VII described the site as composed mainly of “grass, shrubs, and small plants, with minimal to no topsoil”—not a forested area.

The developer also firmly denied accusations that the project caused or worsened flooding. “While we acknowledge the localized flooding observed in our vicinity and continue to coordinate with the proper authorities, it is important to clarify a simple geographic reality,” Mont Property Group said.

“Monterrazas de Cebu is located in Barangay Guadalupe, which is several kilometers away from the heavily flood-stricken areas in Liloan, Mandaue, and Talisay, which unfortunately suffered the most severe impacts,” the company added, comparing the allegations to blaming a Tagaytay-based development for flooding in Makati.

The controversy surrounding the development erupted after Typhoon Tino devastated Cebu, leaving more than 150 people dead. Netizens criticized the mountainside development, with videos showing Slater Young, the project’s celebrity endorser, promoting the project going viral after being juxtaposed against headlines of widespread flooding and suffering in nearby communities.

In 2024, Mont Property’s parent company 8990 Holdings reported that Monterrazas de Cebu earned P703.3 million in 2023 and P476.5 million in 2024 – a total of P1.179 billion in revenues.

Mont Property Group said it remains “ready to collaborate with local authorities and residents on efforts that can further strengthen safety and resilience in our surrounding areas.”

Young has yet to issue a statement as of press time.