Controversy surrounds Sta. Fe resort as authorities remain tight-lipped
In the picturesque town of Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, a controversy has arisen over the construction of an 11-story high-rise resort called The Stria near Kota Beach. The development has sparked concern among locals, environmentalists, and visitors, leading to a "cease and refrain" order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and related local authorities.
JP, a concerned source with roots in Santa Fe, has expressed deep worry over the ongoing construction, fearing potential damage to the island's natural resources. The building's location within the easement zone and its exceeding of the permitted three-story limit and 10-meter height restriction in protected zones have raised legal concerns, referencing Presidential Decree 1067, which prohibits construction within 20 meters of the shoreline.
The road leading to the shoreline has been closed off due to the construction, and the public is urging local authorities and developers to prioritize environmental responsibility and preserve the natural beauty of Bantayan Island. Many long-time visitors and concerned citizens are disappointed with the change in architecture, as some pristine beaches and coconut trees have been replaced by high-rise buildings.
Some users have pointed out the irony of finding concrete structures in a place meant for nature and tranquility, while others have noted the noise from the construction site, which is located behind an elementary school, raising concerns about the daily noise affecting both students and nearby residents.
Despite these concerns, the developer, Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp., asserts compliance with various regulatory requirements, including observing more than the legally required shoreline easement, securing necessary permits such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and obtaining favorable resolutions from local Barangay Poblacion and the Bantayan Island Wilderness Area (BIWA) Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
However, the public outcry and controversy continue unresolved. Environmentalists, such as lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, have raised strong concerns about the impact on the island’s biodiversity and the need to uphold protected area laws to preserve wildlife and fisheries. Meanwhile, statements from the developer emphasize adherence to regulations and prior community consultations.
Local and online platforms reflect ongoing debate and unclear resolutions about this controversial high-rise construction. SUNSTAR has attempted to obtain an official reaction from local authorities regarding the construction, but encounters with the DENR and the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office have resulted in referrals and unanswered emails.
As of mid-August 2025, no clear final resolution has been reported, and the controversy surrounding The Stria continues to unfold in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.
[1] SUNSTAR. (2025, Aug. 10). DENR-EMB issues cease and desist order against high-rise resort in Bantayan Island. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1931464
[2] Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp. (2025, Aug. 12). Statement on The Stria Resort and Residences. Retrieved from https://fifthavenueph.com/statement-on-the-stria-resort-and-residences/
[3] Bantayan Island Watch. (2025, Aug. 15). The Stria Resort and Residences: A controversial high-rise construction in Bantayan Island. Retrieved from https://bantayanislandwatch.com/2025/08/15/the-stria-resort-and-residences-a-controversial-high-rise-construction-in-bantayan-island/
- In the midst of the ongoing dispute, some locals and concerned investors are questioning the wisdom of investing in real-estate projects that disregard the environment on Bantayan Island, Cebu.
- Despite the developer's claims of adherence to regulations, environmentalists, like Gloria Estenzo Ramos, advocate for the allocation of funds to eco-friendly infrastructure, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between development and the preservation of Cebu's natural environment in real-estate investment.
