SUNSTAR has made persistent efforts to obtain an official reaction from local authorities regarding the public outcry over a high-rise building being constructed beside the Kota Beach in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu.
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, SunStar contacted the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office and was directed to the Santa Fe tourism officer. When SunStar called the officer, they were promised the mayor’s office number, which has yet to be provided.
On Friday, Aug. 8, SunStar went in person to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office located at Pier 3 in Cebu City to check if a cease and desist order had been issued against the project, but they were refused assistance and instead referred to the DENR 7 spokesman. At the DENR office in Lahug, only an email address was given, and after sending an email on Saturday, Aug. 9, no response has been received.
JP, who requested to be identified only by initials, expressed deep concern over the ongoing construction of the massive building.
“I am actually not a resident of Santa Fe, but my roots are there, and I visit often,” JP said.
“When I found out there’s a massive building ongoing, I was so upset. How come this happened? What about the locals who live there? I know it’s going to be so expensive,” JP added.
The source pointed out that the construction site is located behind an elementary school, raising worries about daily noise affecting both students and nearby residents.
According to JP, the town mayor allegedly responded to the public’s concerns by saying, “What am I? I am just a mayor,” implying he could not take action because the project’s owner is a highly influential figure.
“It’s just so upsetting because the natural resources will surely be damaged. How come the locals follow the law and the owner has an exception?” JP asked.
The source further claimed that the road leading to the shoreline has been closed off due to the construction, despite it being the main access route to the sea.
Many long-time visitors and concerned citizens expressed disappointment, noting how the resort’s former native-style cottages better reflected the island vibe.
“The cottages were way better and felt more island vibes. Now it won’t be the same Bantayan anymore. Sooner or later, trash will follow,” one comment read.
Others pointed out the irony of going on a vacation to escape city life, only to find the same concrete structures in places meant to offer nature and tranquility.
“Instead of looking at pristine beaches and coconut trees, you’re now looking at high-rise buildings. It’s sad. No more trees, no more simple cottages,” another user shared.
Legal concerns were also raised, particularly regarding Presidential Decree 1067, which prohibits construction within 20 meters of the shoreline.
“From what I see, the building is within the easement zone. I just hope the wastewater has proper disposal — not straight into the sea. Or else, this could become another Boracay situation,” a netizen warned.
As construction continues, the public is urging local authorities and developers to prioritize environmental responsibility and preserve the natural beauty that draws tourists to Bantayan in the first place. / ABC