Developer vows strong flood control

CEBU, Philippines — The Mont Property Group (MPG), the developer of Monterrazas de Cebu, has pledged continued investment, close monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades to ease community fears over the risks posed by its hillside development, insisting that its flood mitigation system is designed not only to meet but also to exceed government standards.

This, as MPG General Manager Marie Camille B. Bondad acknowledged the anxieties of families living downstream whenever a downpour occurs.

“We know that whenever heavy rains come, many families in the surrounding communities worry about the possibility of flooding. We hear those concerns, and we understand the anxiety that comes with them,” Bondad said in a statement.

Bondad stressed that flooding is a “complex challenge” requiring collaboration among government agencies, private developers, and residents themselves.

“For us, responsibility does not end with simply meeting government standards. We are committed to continuously investing in solutions, closely monitoring and improving our infrastructure, and working hand in hand with our neighboring communities to help ensure that everyone feels safe and secure,” she added.

Mont reported that it has completed 24 detention ponds with a combined capacity of 62,710.5 cubic meters, more than double the 26,701 cubic meters required under Cebu City's approved drainage plan.

Compliance reports were also submitted to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region VII and the Cebu City Council after the June 3 rainfall event, confirming that runoff was successfully contained, with no significant erosion or sediment transport observed.

The company also highlighted a series of infrastructure upgrades and community support measures.

These include the P60 million rehabilitation of the one-kilometer Quijada Road and its drainage system, completed before Typhoon Tino in April 2025; a tenfold increase in Guadalajara's drainage capacity by replacing a 450-mm line with a 1,500-mm reinforced concrete pipe; and a P50 million investment in pumped drainage stations.

Accordingly, one station in Guadalupe Heights doubled its pump capacity after Typhoon Tino and reduced flooding during the June 3 rains.

A similar station is being planned for Guadalajara. Monterrazas also funded a P200,000 RACAL collection unit to improve garbage collection in Barangay Guadalupe, aiming to reduce drainage blockages caused by improper waste disposal.

Bondad emphasized that these measures are part of a broader resilience program. Ongoing slope stabilization works, including Mechanically Stabilized Earthfill (MSE), are intended to enhance long-term site protection.

This commitment came amid repeated calls from Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña for Mayor Nestor Archival to halt development until the catchments are tested under typhoon-level conditions, warning that engineering safeguards may fail during extreme weather.

He invoked past tragedies such as the trash slide at the Binaliw Landfill and Typhoon Ruping's 271-mm rainfall, arguing that Monterrazas' system has only been tested during ordinary rain events.

The Cebu City Council adopted Osmeña's motion urging Archival to act, but the mayor has remained cautious, saying that any decision must be based on verified reports rather than political pressure.

Archival stressed that flooding in Cebu predates Monterrazas and described recent events as extraordinary rainfall that occurs only once every “50 to 100 years.”

He also pointed to DENR's clearance of the project, noting that the agency had already lifted its suspension after confirming compliance.

“I appreciate their concerns, but as mayor, I should also look beyond that concern. I understand nga atong tan-awon ang mga tawo sa ilalom, but we also have to understand the bigger picture,” Archival said earlier.

He added that documents submitted to the city show that the detention ponds are already completed. “It’s very clear here. Wa siguro sila kabasa,” he remarked, stressing that DENR remains the final authority on environmental compliance. — (IHM) (FREEMAN)