Santa Fe, Bantayan Island — The developer behind The Stria, an ambitious high-rise condominium and resort project in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, defended the legality of its construction following mounting public concern over environmental compliance, building permits, and height restrictions.
In a statement released on August 15, 2025, Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp. said the project has complied with all government regulations, secured the necessary permits, and followed the proper processes to move forward.
“There is nothing illegal about the development of The Stria,” the company asserted, stressing that its project meets both local and national standards.
Background: What is The Stria?
The Stria is designed as an 11-storey mixed-use condominium and resort development in Santa Fe, one of Bantayan Island’s most visited municipalities. Known for its pristine beaches, Santa Fe has become a prime destination for both local and international tourists.
The project, however, has attracted criticism from environmental groups, residents, and heritage advocates who argue that a high-rise development may alter the island’s natural character, stress its fragile environment, and possibly contravene existing land-use policies.
Local Government’s Green Light
According to Fifth Avenue, the Municipal Government of Santa Fe explicitly backed the project by passing Municipal Ordinance 14-2023, which permits the construction of an 11-storey mixed-use commercial and residential building.
This legislative move effectively provided the project with a local mandate. Supporters argue that developments like The Stria could boost tourism revenues, create jobs, and stimulate infrastructure investment in Santa Fe and the broader Bantayan area.
The Height Restriction Debate
One of the most contentious issues surrounding The Stria is its height. Bantayan Island has long been associated with low-rise resorts and homestays, reflecting its laid-back charm. Media reports and critics cited height restrictions under environmental regulations as a potential roadblock.
Fifth Avenue countered by citing Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) 2009-09, which, according to the company, does not prohibit private property owners from constructing structures above 10 meters, except in government-designated “protected zones.”
To further strengthen its defense, the developer disclosed that it obtained a Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) — a document required to ensure that tall structures do not interfere with aviation safety.
Environmental and Legal Compliance
The company also listed several permits and documents to support its claim of full compliance:
- Torrens Certificate of Title (TCT 102-2021002485) confirming clean land ownership without restrictions.
- Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC-OL-R07-2022-0417) from the DENR, signifying environmental standards were met.
- License to Sell (LTS 0002203) from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), proving the project cleared the required documentation for marketing.
- A 20-meter shoreline easement, which the developer claims is stricter than the legal minimum, making The Stria “the most compliant” among current island projects.
Additionally, Fifth Avenue said it has installed a sewage treatment plant and a materials recovery facility to ensure sustainable waste management — an often overlooked yet critical requirement for coastal developments.
Public Consultations and Transparency
The developer emphasized that it has held public consultations and maintained transparency throughout the process. “We have been open about our plans, consulted stakeholders, and complied with all requirements,” the company’s statement read.
This is significant, as both the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system of the DENR and the Philippine Environmental Policy (PD 1151) require stakeholder consultations for projects that could affect communities and ecosystems (DENR).
Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Despite these assurances, opposition remains. Local environmental groups argue that even if technically legal, the spirit of environmental protection calls for preserving Bantayan’s low-rise, nature-centered identity.
Environmental advocates point to potential risks such as:
- Water supply shortages, given the limited freshwater aquifers on the island.
- Waste management pressures, particularly with higher tourist influxes.
- Disruption of natural landscapes, affecting the island’s cultural and ecological balance.
Bantayan Island was previously declared a Protected Landscape and Seascape (RA 10067) in 2009, which provides stricter guidelines for development. While the developer insists that the site falls outside protected zones, critics fear that large-scale construction may set a precedent for further commercial expansion.
Economic vs. Environmental Balance
The Stria project highlights a familiar tension in Cebu’s development narrative: how to balance economic growth and tourism with environmental sustainability.
Tourism made up 12.9% of the Philippines’ GDP in 2023, with Cebu as a top destination. Supporters see projects like The Stria meeting tourist demand, while critics warn they may threaten the natural charm that draws visitors.
Comparisons with Other Cebu Controversies
The Stria debate follows recent Cebu and Bohol resort controversies over alleged environmental violations. The Chocolate Hills resort controversy in Bohol, for instance, drew national attention after structures were found within protected landscapes.
Such comparisons fuel skepticism, with many urging stricter oversight to prevent loopholes or selective enforcement of environmental rules.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, The Stria is moving forward with legal backing, government permits, and environmental clearances. However, public opposition suggests that scrutiny will continue, both from environmental watchdogs and concerned residents.
The project could either showcase sustainable development or fuel Cebu’s debate on tourism-driven urbanization.
Conclusion
Fifth Avenue’s defense of The Stria highlights the challenges of developing fragile Bantayan Island. Despite legal compliance, questions of sustainability, heritage, and community trust remain.
The Stria reflects Cebu’s challenge to balance progress with preserving its natural beauty.
