When Science Speaks, but People Don’t Hear: The Monterrazas Disconnect
Photo courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer In the aftermath of disaster, explanations matter. But more importantly, how those explanations are delivered - and what they leave out - can shape whether they heal or deepen the wound. The controversy surrounding Monterrazas de Cebu and Slater Young sits precisely at that fault line. At first glance, the issue appears technical: a study has been conducted, conclusions drawn, and a defence articulated. The rainfall was extreme. The models indicate that the project did not significantly contribute to the flooding. In fact, the design was said to mitigate its effects. From a purely scientific standpoint, that may well be correct. But the problem is this: being technically correct is not always the same as being socially complete. The Limits of “Public” Science The study at the centre of the defence is, by most accounts, scientifically robust. Yet accessibility remains a major issue. Even individuals with some backgrou...