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Natural resources

Cebu Governor Orders Review of Controversial High-Rise Resort in Bantayan Island

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has expressed concerns about a luxury resort being built in Bantayan Island, a protected area in Cebu, Philippines. The resort, The Stria, has already constructed 11 floors, despite only being allowed to have up to three storeys. The Environmental Bureau Management and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have reviewed the project and found several violations, including exceeding the approved height limit. The review was triggered by public outcry and concerns about the impact on the island's natural beauty and ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Stria resort has constructed 11 floors, exceeding the allowed height limit of three storeys.
  • The project violates several provisions in the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the DENR.
  • The Bantayan Island Wilderness Area (BIWA) has been designated as a protected area since the 1980s, but the specific boundaries are not clearly defined.
  • The DENR has already flagged the project for non-compliance with existing laws and regulations.
  • The construction of The Stria resort has sparked public concerns about the impact on the island's natural beauty and ecosystem.

Statistics:

  • The Stria resort has constructed 11 floors in violation of the ECC provisions.
  • The project has exceeded the allowed height limit of three storeys.
  • The Bantayan Island Wilderness Area (BIWA) covers 23 islands in the Bantayan Island group.
  • Bantayan Island is located approximately 140 kilometers northwest of Cebu City.
  • The island group attracts thousands of tourists annually due to its crystal clear waters and fine, white-sand beaches.

Sources:

  • "Cebu governor orders review of The Stria resort in Bantayan Island" - ( exact reference not provided)
  • Prince, B. (no date) "Bantayan Island, A Tropical Paradise in the Philippines". (no date provided in the original text)
  • Marcos, F. (1981) "Proclamation No. 2337: Declaring certain islands in Cebu Province as a Protected Wilderness Area". (Primary source, no date provided in the original text)
  • "Bantayan Island Wilderness Area (BIWA)" - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

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