Vince Dizon, DPWH Chief, Speaks on Controversial The Rise at Monterazzas Project of Slater Young
DPWH – Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the Monterazzas project of Engineer Slater Young is being investigated following the deadly flood in Cebu.
At least 140 people were confirmed dead in Cebu following the wrath of Typhoon Tino. Most of the fatalities died due to drowning. The storm brought heavy rains that led to the rising of the floodwater up to the roof of the single-storey houses in many cities in the province.
While the death toll of Typhoon Tino has reached 140, the missing individuals are still at 127. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. Many Cebuanos are both grieving and disappointed over the tragic situation in their cities now. A lot of families lost their homes to the typhoon.
Amid the devastating situation in Cebu, the name of Slater Young and his The Rise at Monterazzas project were mentioned on social media. To recall, the building of the Monterazzas previously sparked concerns among nature advocates over its possible effect on the nature and the community.
The Risa at Monterazzas is a unique condominium development built on the mountain slopes of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City. The project engineered by former actor Slater Young is inspired by the rice terraces.
Recently, amid the rumors and speculations that Slater Young’s The Rise at Monterazzas could have contributed to the deadly flooding in Cebu amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, DPWH spoke on the project. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Public Works chief Vince Dizon claimed that from what he knows, it is being investigated now.
“Alam ko, pinag-aaralan na ngayon ‘yan. Simple lang naman ‘yan, kapag ang isang proyekto ay nakakasama sa kalikasan lalong-lalo na sa waterways o dun sa watershed na pumoprotekta sa ating waterways e kailangan talaga dapat ‘yan bago ipinapatayo e dapat nakakakuha ‘yan ng tamang permiso sa DENR at Environmental Management Bureau,” the DPWH Secretary said.
Based on the report, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources may also launch an investigation on Slater Young’s Monterazzas project. Aside from the said project, the DPWH also said that they are currently investigating the flood control projects in Cebu starting 2016.
“Iniimbestigahan na ho natin kasama ng [Independent Commission on Infrastructure] ang mga proyekto na ginawa d’yan simula 2016 hanggang 2024-2025,” DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon said.
Following the wrath of the Typhoon Tino and amid an upcoming looming super typhoon, Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity.