Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government continues to oppose the high-rise resort project known as The Stria in Bantayan Island as it awaits the final ruling from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) central office.
Baricuatro confirmed that the provincial government has submitted all necessary documentation to the national DENR office, including investigation reports and an official resolution stating Cebu’s position on the controversial development.
“We are aware of that and we have already submitted the report and the pertinent documents to the DENR Secretary. Naghuwat nalang mi og response from them,” she said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
The governor explained that the documents, forwarded to the office of the DENR secretary, are now under review, with the final decision on the project to be determined at the national level.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the provincial government had already presented its legal arguments and findings in discussions with the DENR – Environmental Management Bureau Region 7.
He noted that the next step depends entirely on the central office of the environmental agency.
“We’re just waiting unsa gyud ang decision ani then that will conduct the policy in regards to this matter,” Empaces said.
Baricuatro reiterated that her administration’s directive to halt the Stria project remains in effect, despite reports suggesting that construction may have continued.
“Absolutely,” the governor said when asked if the province continues to push for the project’s suspension.
The Stria project, developed by Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation, was previously flagged by DENR-EMB 7 for allegedly exceeding the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Regulators noted that the ECC allowed the construction of a three-story building, but site inspections reportedly found that the structure had already reached 11 levels.
The controversy escalated in August 2025 when Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar Espinosa ordered a suspension of construction following directives from both DENR-EMB 7 and the Cebu provincial government.
Baricuatro’s earlier order cited violations including expansion beyond the approved structure, encroachment into the 20-meter salvage zone, and possible breaches of height limits within the Bantayan Island Wilderness Area, a designated protected zone.
Under existing environmental regulations, structures within protected areas are generally limited to around 10 meters, roughly equivalent to a three-story building.
The developer, however, maintains that the project complies with legal and environmental requirements, arguing that the site is classified as alienable and disposable land under the 2015 Bantayan Island Wilderness Area General Management Plan.
Meanwhile, workers employed through project subcontractors have appealed to government authorities to allow construction to continue, citing the development as a critical source of livelihood for hundreds of laborers and their families.
The provincial government continues to monitor the situation closely as it awaits the DENR central office’s decision on the fate of The Stria.
