Capitol probes alleged resumption of Stria construction

Local

PUBLIC criticism resurfaced online after posts showed construction continuing at the controversial The Stria project in Bantayan Island.

This raises renewed questions about the status of the provincial government’s earlier move to halt the development.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the Cebu Provincial Government has already elevated the matter to the national government and is awaiting a response from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We are aware of that and we have already submitted the report and the pertaining documents to the DENR Secretary," Baricuatro said. "So naa ra tanan didto ang na-submit. Naghuwat nalang mi og response from them.”

She also emphasized that the Capitol continues to maintain its position that construction of the luxury resort should be stopped.

She also underscored the provincial government’s firm stance despite the ongoing work at the site.

Baricuatro explained that the documents submitted include detailed reports gathered by the provincial government on the ongoing construction, as well as the Capitol’s resolution regarding the project.

She confirmed that the issue has already reached the national level, with the DENR central office now expected to determine the next course of action.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the submission of documents followed a series of

investigations and coordination meetings conducted by the Office of the Governor together with other government agencies.

This included the DENR, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Provincial Legal Office.

He also said that there were multiple site visits conducted in Bantayan as part of the review and validation process, ensuring that all findings were carefully documented before being forwarded to the national office.

The provincial government stressed that the reports and supporting documents were submitted to the DENR around December, after the investigations were completed and validated by the concerned agencies.

Recently, social media posts from both tourists and local residents have gone viral, criticizing the government as construction at the site continues.

The posts highlight ongoing public concern over compliance with environmental and zoning regulations and have added pressure on the national government to act.

The Stria, an 11-storey luxury resort project in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, has drawn scrutiny since regulators flagged alleged violations.

These include exceeding the three-storey limit indicated in its Environmental Compliance Certificate and encroaching on the 20-meter coastal easement, which is meant to protect the shoreline.

The DENR previously suspended the project’s permit and issued stop-work orders.

Cebu 4th District Rep. Sun Shimura earlier expressed support for high-rise developments on Bantayan Island, provided developers comply with environmental regulations.

Shimura, who described himself as pro-development, said such projects should follow local Comprehensive Land Use Plans to ensure proper zoning and environmental safeguards.

He also filed a bill seeking to reclassify Bantayan Island’s wilderness status under Presidential Proclamation 2151, aiming to allow land ownership while maintaining designated protected areas for the island and surrounding seas.(MyTVCebu)