CLEVERPENS

The Monterrazas is a planned feature of the larger development. This residential condominium project was first announced in 2023. The concept and design of the Banaue Rice Terraces were intended to harmonize with the natural mountain topography. As part of the Monterazzas de Cebu case study, these features highlight both the project’s ambition and complexity.

Environmental Concerns

As early as 2023, both environmentalists and Cebu residents expressed concern that construction on steep terrain would worsen runoff and erosion during heavy rains. Slater Young dismissed the criticism and confidently promoted Monterrazas de Cebu as an ideal location for residents who seek both comfort and accessibility. As these concerns grew, the Monterrazas de Cebu Case Study attracted more attention.

Environmental Impact Study

Monterrazas de Cebu encompasses a residential land area of 200 hectares, or approximately 490 acres, located across Barangay Guadalupe, Barangay Sapangdaku, Barangay Buhisan, and Barangay Tisa in Cebu City, providing a panoramic view. The development is situated on hillsides overlooking Cebu City, Mactan, and Bohol. Despite being just minutes away from schools, hospitals, and shopping malls, the active, high-end luxury housing development is currently under scrutiny because of its potential environmental threat to nearby communities. As a result, the Monterrazas de Cebu case study is now referenced in discussions about environmental impact and city planning.

Monterrazas vs. Cherry Hill Environmental Concerns

Monterrazas is often mentioned in current discussions as a cautionary example, with the public concerned about a potential repeat of a “Cherry Hills subdivision in the making” if environmental concerns are not properly addressed. In fact, the need for the Monterrazas de Cebu case study has only increased as these comparisons are made.

The primary difference between Cherry Hills Subdivision and Monterrazas de Cebu includes the following: 

Cherry Hills Landslide vs. Monterrazas de Cebu Comparison

In short, the Cherry Hills subdivision in Antipolo became notorious for a significant landslide caused by inadequate safety precautions and poor geological assessments. In the same way, the Cherry Hills community was the site of a catastrophic landslide in 1999 that killed several people and led to a lawsuit against the developer. On the other hand, Monterrazza de Cebu is a high-end development in Cebu City that combines current engineering and design ideas. It markets its safety and high-end amenities to the high-end market. However, while writing this report, Monterrazza’s high-end construction came under criticism for exacerbating Cebu’s flooding.

Key Distinctions

Market Position

• Monterrazza is explicitly positioned as a luxurious, high-end “peak of luxury” development with prices reaching tens of millions to hundreds of millions of pesos. Cherry Hill was a more standard, mid-range housing project.
• Outcome of Environmental Neglect: Cherry Hill Subdivision’s issues led to a historical tragedy, resulting in legal charges and significant regulatory changes in the Philippines’ housing project approval process. Monterrazas de Cebu is currently in the midst of an ongoing public and regulatory debate, with calls for an investigation into its environmental impact following recent floods.

Development Stage

• Cherry Hill is a completed project that has been the subject of retrospective case studies on disaster risk. Monterrazas is a massive, multi-phase project still under development, with new sections and towers (like The Rise) launching.

Architectural Concept

• Monterrazas de Cebu features unique, “Banaue Rice Terraces-inspired” architectural designs that mimic natural topography, though critics debate the execution.

LESSON

• Imagine that more than SEVEN HUNDRED (700) HARDWOOD TREES were cut down to construct a luxurious home for residents. Earth unleashed a powerful storm, unveiling lessons not found in books or open resources. The lessons are REAL.

Guide Questions:

1. What is Monterraza de Cebu?
2. What are the development goals?
3. How significant is Monterraza de Cebu to Cebu’s economy?
4. Aside from awareness, how can we promote environmental responsibility in our community?
5. How are the theories of consequentialism and utilitarianism relevant to the Monterrazas case?

DISCLAIMER

Readers are cautioned to distinguish fact from interpretation, to hold themselves accountable to proper procedure and permitted findings, and to be responsible in their research and discussion.

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