DENR flags resort project in Sta Fe for ECC violation

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (DENR-EMB 7) has flagged a high-rise resort on Bantayan Island for violating its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) having exceeded the height restrictions.

Authorities have ordered the developer—Fifth Avenue Property Development Corporation---to stop further construction activities.

The project, known as The Stria, was approved for only three floors in its ECC but has already reached 11 levels, according to DENR-EMB officials. The building stands along the white-sand shores of Santa Fe, a protected wilderness area.

Under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2009-09, structures in protected areas cannot exceed 10 meters from the natural ground line—about the height of a three-story building—and must not obstruct the natural landscape.

“Kung naa kay structure within protected areas, dapat dili molapas og 10 meters,” said a DENR-EMB legal officer, who asked not to be named.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has issued three notices of violation, directing the developer “to cease and refrain from conducting any activity” that could cause “great vertical damage to the environment.”

A similar notice was also issued by the DENR’s Executive Regional Director, citing the project’s breach of its Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) clearance.

Bantayan Island has been under protection since Proclamation No. 2151, signed in 1981 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, which limits development to preserve the island’s biodiversity and scenic views.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday described the high-rise as “out of place” in the beach setting and has ordered a full investigation.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1586, violations of ECC conditions may lead to fines, suspension, or cancellation of permits. DENR officials said they are still determining possible penalties, even as construction was observed continuing during Thursday’s inspection.

As of press time, the resort developer has not issued a statement. — /FPL (FREEMAN)