2.
Explore the design features, goals, and any available data on the project's impact on the
environment and local communities.
Typically, large-scale construction projects like "The Rise" would undergo environmental impact
assessments (EIAs) or Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) as part of the permitting process. It is safe
to assume that they have obtain these because the project is now on going. The EIA procedure
mandates active public involvement and dialogue with affected stakeholders. The ECC outlines specific
conditions and benchmarks for mitigating and overseeing environmental impacts. Nonetheless, there
have been instances where EIA processes were inadequately executed or neglected altogether, and
ECCs were granted without appropriate consultation or adherence to regulations. If so, what were the
findings and the recommendations derived from this assessment? Such reports are often made
available to the public.
In one of his YouTube videos, Eng. Slater Young mentioned that the condominiums would encompass a
total of 1 hectare of greenery, which they intend to "give back" to the mountain. However, when
considering the extent of vegetation and soil that will be sacrificed during construction, questions arise;
How does this planned greenery compare to the natural habitat and soil that will be impacted by the
development?
What measures are in place to offset the loss of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and
other vital ecosystem services provided by the mountain?
According to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Cebu has witnessed a
drastic reduction in forest cover, plummeting from 42% in 1900 to a mere 3% in 2010. This alarming
trend has led to diminished water availability, heightened soil erosion, and the shrinking of wildlife
habitats. Furthermore, a separate study by the World Wildlife Fund has estimated that deforestation in
the Philippines results in an annual loss of $2.7 billion worth of ecosystem services, encompassing
functions like water regulation, climate control, and soil fertility. So, Is the trade-off of natural
landscapes for a luxurious condominium truly justifiable?
The primary objective of The Rise at Monterrazas in Cebu City is to establish a perfect synergy between
the natural environment and human innovation. Inspired by the captivating grace and allure of the Rice
Terraces, the development claims to strive for sustainability by implementing various key features.
These features encompass eco-integration, where sustainable building elements are employed to
minimize environmental impact, creating a more eco-conscious footprint. The architecture aims for a
seamless blend with the natural surroundings, ensuring that structures harmonize gracefully with the
landscape. Furthermore, the project places a strong emphasis on optimizing natural light and
ventilation, creating bright and airy living spaces. Green terraces, in the form of cascading outdoor
areas, contribute to both aesthetics and functionality, offering residents the pleasure of living amidst
greenery. Ultimately, the development aspires to strike a harmonious balance between nature and
contemporary living while also ensuring efficient illumination and ventilation throughout its spaces
according to the Monterraza’s Website.
Nonetheless, these objectives represent just one aspect of the overall picture. In the course of
developing this project, numerous critical considerations must be addressed. However, we have not yet
received an official statement from the developers and creators of The Rise in Monterrazas in Cebu City.
In any construction project, there are potential repercussions that can significantly impact the
environment, both during and after completion. For instance, factors such as the project's carbon
footprint, construction-related noise pollution, and the volume of soil excavation raise concerns about
potential soil erosion and flooding in the future, which could affect not only rich residents but also those
less privileged in Cebu City. We eagerly anticipate a comprehensive explanation or statement from them
to assure the public of their strategies to mitigate these environmental consequences.
While the project's aesthetic appeal has the potential to positively influence the local economy by
drawing in buyers and tourists, it is imperative to determine whether this development genuinely
benefits the entire community and not just the rich and privileged residents.
Analyze the potential environmental impacts, including aspects like energy efficiency, resource use,
and ecological considerations.
Pros:
Solar Power: The inclusion of solar power for amenity areas indicates a commitment to renewable
energy sources, which can significantly reduce the development's reliance on conventional energy
sources. This is a positive step toward improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
Rainwater Collection & Irrigation System: Monterrazas de Cebu's rainwater collection and irrigation
system can reduce water consumption from traditional sources, promoting efficient resource use while
conserving freshwater resources.
Seamless Blend: The emphasis on structures harmonizing with natural landscapes is essential for
potentially perserving the local ecosystem's integrity and biodiversity.
Cons:
Soil Erosion and Flooding: While not explicitly mentioned, consideration for potential soil erosion and
flooding risks is crucial. Soil excavation can increase the risk of soil erosion, especially in hilly or
mountainous areas like Cebu City. When soil is disturbed or removed, it becomes more susceptible to
erosion by wind and water, which can lead to sedimentation in water bodies and further habitat
degradation.
Habitat Loss: The project will unquestionably reduce the greenery on the mountain and permanently
alter its ecological balance. Trees serve as habitats for various wildlife species, and their removal can
disrupt local ecosystems. Species dependent on these trees may lose their homes and food sources,
potentially leading to population declines or local extinctions.
Biodiversity Reduction: The removal of trees and excavation of soil can result in reduced biodiversity in
the area. This loss of plant and animal diversity can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem,
potentially leading to imbalances and negative ecological consequences.
Water Quality Impacts: Soil erosion caused by excavation can also affect water quality in nearby
streams and rivers. Sediment runoff can carry pollutants and silt, negatively impacting aquatic
ecosystems and water quality for both humans and wildlife.
Microclimate Changes: The removal of trees can alter the local microclimate by reducing shade,
increasing temperature, and altering humidity levels.
Discuss the societal impacts, considering factors such as community well-being, employment
opportunities, and cultural preservation.
Community Well-Being:
The Rise can contribute to community well-being by providing residents with access to modern
amenities and a comfortable living environment. Features like outdoor spaces, green terraces, and
optimized light and ventilation can enhance the quality of life for its residents.
However, The Rise’s Head Eng. Young stated that "We build because the population is growing and the
people need shelter." It is contradictory to the fact that this development is catered to the rich and
privileged only for its luxurious price that they can only afford. Luxury developments like The Rise tend
to be exclusive and may not be accessible to a significant portion of the local population. This can
exacerbate income inequality and limit housing options for many residents.
Employment Opportunities:
The construction and operation of The Rise may create employment opportunities in various sectors,
from construction labor, property management, security personnel’s, maintenance staff to hospitality
services.
But these jobs may not always provide long-term stability or high wages.
Economic Growth:
The development can stimulate economic growth in Cebu City by attracting businesses, tourists, and
investors. This increased economic activity can lead to the development of complementary services such
as restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues, benefiting the broader community.
However, the development may lead to gentrification, causing property values in the area to rise. This
can potentially displace lower-income residents who can no longer afford to live in the neighborhood,
disrupting existing communities
Infrastructure Development and future expansions:
The need for improved infrastructure in the vicinity of The Rise can lead to upgrades in roads, utilities,
and public services, benefiting not only the development but also the surrounding community.
Eng. Young has also stated the future expansion of The Rise, which is a Mall in front of the project. a
future expansion that will significantly claim, again, a huge amount of land and vegetation.
Reflection:
The Rise in Cebu is located within areas classified as environmentally critical, as designated in
Proclamation No. 2146 from 1981. These regions consist of landscapes characterized by steep slopes
and high environmental sensitivity. Consequently, before commencing with the project's development,
it is mandatory to acquire either an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or undergo an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
Observing the on-going progress of the project, it is reasonable to assume that the necessary EIS or EIA
procedures have been completed. However, this does not quell the lingering inquiries surrounding the
project, inquiries that can be readily addressed by the project's creators and developers. Regrettably, we
have not yet received an official statement to address these concerns.
While the project's aesthetic appeal has the potential to positively influence the local economy by
drawing in buyers and tourists, it is imperative to determine whether this development genuinely
benefits the entire community and not just the rich and privileged residents.
The project undoubtedly boasts stunning aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the iconic rice terraces—
an extraordinary fusion of nature and contemporary living. Nevertheless, the substantial tree removal
and soil excavation required for its realization cannot be disregarded, particularly in proximity to
Monterrazas de Cebu. Notably, the developers of this adjacent site previously received cease and desist
orders from the Cebu City government due to concerns about potential disasters at the mountain's
base. This raises concerns regarding The Rise in Monterrazas in Cebu, given its considerably larger scale
compared to the previously mentioned Monterrazas de Cebu. We are looking forward to receiving a
thorough explanation or statement from them that can provide reassurance to the public regarding
their plans to address these environmental impacts.
It is undeniable that In order to build for people, a piece of land must be sacrificed. It is often at the
expense of natural resources. While economic advancement may demand such concessions from
nature, I, as an aspiring architect dedicated to sustainability, emphasize the importance of pursuing well-
balanced projects that consider the holistic welfare of the economy, society, and the environment. The
instance of reclamation projects, exemplified by the MOA development in the Philippines, underscores
the modification of shorelines to accommodate the construction of prominent establishments. As
creators, we find ourselves frequently grappling with ethical dilemmas as we endeavor to pave the way
for a brighter future. We must continually weigh our decisions against the three pillars of sustainability
when contemplating the necessary sacrifices of natural landscapes.
References:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1981/12/14/proclamation-no-2146-s-1981/
https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/the-rise-at-monterrazas-a-green-development-or-
an-ecological-threat
https://myhouse.ph/the-rise-monterrazas/?gclid=CjwKCAjwo9unBhBTEiwAipC11_OKiGGIKwcKNiq-
W6CXgCzX5ykGNhkh238GoNBbOI_Wvk0G8HmoxRoCncQQAvD_BwE
Express your opinions on whether the project strikes a balance between architectural
creativity and environmental/social responsibility.
According to Eng. Young, he and his team have diligently explored approximately 300 distinct
iterations of the project, with the primary objective of aligning their design with the mountain's
natural terrain to mitigate any adverse environmental consequences. Furthermore, it is safe to
assume that they would not have put forth this particular design solution had they initially been
aware that it would not receive the endorsement of the governing agencies responsible for
overseeing and regulating such development projects. However, there have been cases where
EIAs were done poorly or not at all, or where ECCs was issued without proper consultation or
compliance.
The project appears to showcase architectural creativity, drawing inspiration from the stunning
rice terraces and harmonizing nature with modern living. The incorporation of green terraces
and optimized light and ventilation demonstrates innovative design elements. However, There
are concerns about the potential environmental impact, especially in an area with a history of
deforestation and environmental degradation. The loss of greenery and soil during construction,
as well as the proximity to Monterrazas de Cebu, raises questions about the project's
environmental responsibility. It should be carefully studied especially with the promise of Eng.
Young’s intention to give back to the mountains the loss of 1 hectare of trees.
The Rise in Monterrazas" in Cebu is well-recognized for targeting affluent individuals, which
raises questions about its efficacy as a solution for accommodating the growing population. Its
exclusivity and high costs make it inaccessible to a more extensive segment of the population,
prompting concerns about its ability to effectively address the housing needs of a broader
demographic.
The mere presence of green elements in a building doesn't guarantee its sustainability; several
factors, including carbon footprint and materials, come into play. However, we still await further
details from the Project Team to provide a more comprehensive assessment. It's imperative to
thoroughly evaluate the project's overall sustainability and eco-friendliness. Merely expanding
into the mountain doesn't automatically signify an environmentally conscious design unless it
effectively tackles issues like ecological conservation and energy efficiency.
