Solon backs Stria project

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu 4th District Representative Sun Shimura has expressed support for the controversial Stria development in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, saying that he is “pro-development” so long as projects comply with safety, health, and environmental standards.

Shimura said the key to resolving the issue lies in ensuring proper land use planning, citing Boracay as an example of what happens when developments proceed without a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

“It's really up to the LGU, it's really up to their CLUPs naa may CLUP,” Shimura said.

He cited Boracay as an example, noting that the island faced compliance issues in the past because it did not have a CLUP at the time, adding that such problems can be avoided in Bantayan if a proper CLUP is in place.

The lawmaker emphasized that he has always been a proponent of development, pointing to his legislative work that sought to strengthen property owners’ rights in Bantayan Island.

“Why not, as long as it’s safe, it’s healthy, and it’s not bad for the environment? If we have that there, it’s gonna be one of the best places in Cebu,” he said.

Shimura clarified that his bill related to Bantayan properties was filed prior to the Stria controversy, underscoring that it was aimed at ensuring local owners have a stronger sense of ownership and security.

“Ang akoang bill was passed even before that issue because it’s a promise that naa g’yud silay sense of ownership ang mga tag-iya sa property sa Bantayan. July 2 nako gi-file,” he said.

Meanwhile, in previous reports from The FREEMAN, the management of The Stria Santa Fe condominium-resort denied accusations it violated environmental laws, insisting that it secured all necessary permits and complied with existing regulations.

The developer said it was granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC-OL-R07-2022-0417) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Central Visayas, covering a gross floor area of 22,781 square meters.

The Stria also cited endorsements from the Santa Fe Sangguniang Bayan through Municipal Ordinance No. 14-2023, Resolution No. 83-2022, and a Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

It argued that no height restriction applies to privately-owned properties under the Torrens System, noting that laws declaring Bantayan a “wilderness area” do not impose limits on private lands.

Earlier, DENR-EMB officials flagged the project for allegedly exceeding the approved height under its ECC, saying it was cleared only for three floors but had already reached 11 stories. Authorities issued a stoppage order, sparking controversy.

In its defense, The Stria maintained it has gone beyond compliance, pointing to its installation of a sewage treatment plant, a materials recovery facility, and adherence to the mandated 20-meter shoreline easement.

The developer also highlighted that it received a License to Sell (LTS No. 0002203) from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, which only issues such licenses after rigorous checks on documentation and permits.

“The issuance of the LTS in favor of The Stria shows that it has complied with all needed approvals and documentation,” the company said in its statement.

The Stria further asserted that there was nothing illegal about its development, emphasizing that the project sits on a clean title under the Torrens System, registered as TCT No. 102-2021002485.

It also stressed transparency, saying its plans were publicly presented and subjected to consultations before moving forward. — (FREEMAN)