Sta. Fe mayor changes tune, orders suspension of hotel construction

Local

LIKE the shifting tides along its beaches, Santa Fe’s stance on the controversial Stria Hotel project has turned in just few days.

Santa Fe Mayor Ithamar Espinosa on Monday, August 18, signed an order halting construction of the 11-story Stria Hotel in Barangay Poblacion.

The letter, released to the media on Tuesday, directed the developer to cease operations after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suspended the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

The halt order came after Espinosa initially defended the project last Friday, August 15, saying the developer had complied with proper procedures. His latest directive, however, cited the DENR’s suspension of the ECC as grounds to stop all work at the site.

The project, a planned condominium and resort by Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp., has faced criticism for allegedly violating multiple environmental rules.

The DENR and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro earlier ordered work to stop, citing breaches of height limits and coastal protections.

Authorities documented several violations.

Monitoring by DENR-7 showed the structure had already reached four floors and was designed to rise as high as 11 stories, despite restrictions in protected areas that limit buildings to 10 meters, or roughly three stories.

The hotel also reportedly encroaches on the 20-meter coastal easement mandated by the Water Code, a zone reserved for public use.

The DENR’s Community Environment and Natural Resources Office issued three notices of violation in 2024 and a stop-work order in May 2025, which the developer ignored.

The Environmental Management Bureau-Central Visayas (EMB-7)also ordered Fifth Avenue to pay P270,000 in fines.

On Monday, Baricuatro directed Espinosa to suspend the project immediately and submit all related permits.

She also tasked EMB 7 and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to review compliance and examine the town’s role in issuing approvals.

In earlier statements, Fifth Avenue defended the legality of The Stria, saying it had secured all required permits, including environmental and aviation clearances.

The company argued that height restrictions cited in media reports do not apply to private land, and stressed that the site was outside the salvage zone. It also highlighted its public consultations, sustainability measures, and the support it received from the local government when permits were issued.

Bantayan Island, where Santa Fe is located, is a declared protected area with strict rules meant to preserve its fragile coastal ecosystem.

Critics warn that allowing oversized developments could set a dangerous precedent for the island’s environment and tourism balance.

A joint action report from the DENR and DILG is expected within five working days of the governor’s directive. Enforcement measures could include a cease-and-desist order and sanctions against local officials who approved the permits.(MyTVCebu)