More Mambukal resort development eyed

After finally securing a special patent title from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to legally claim the land where Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia is located, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said more development can be expected at the Capitol-operated tourist facility.

“The special patent will allow the provincial government to expand existing facilities,” Lacson, adding that additional villas for high-end guests will be included to attract more tourists, and open boat rides at the resort’s lagoon.

Lacson said the Capitol bought 11 hectares of land adjoining the resort for its expansion worth P9 million.

“This assures that Mambukal is now legally-owned by the provincial government,” the governor pointed out.

Earlier, Atty. Alberto Nellas, acting provincial administrator, said the 24-hectare tourist facility was declared a town site in the 1960s.

It took 60 years to process the special patent after the delay in its approval by the DENR Central Office.

In his speech during the turn over rites, Lacson said, “Mambukal is a lot of things for Negrenses and its patrons from neighboring provinces. ”

“For the Baby Boomers and Gen X, Mambukal will always be a part of our nostalgic childhood and youth and it is heartening that over the years, Mambukal has continued to improve as an icon of Negros Occidental,” Lacson pointed out.

Mambukal was declared a town site on June 22, 1957 by Republic Act No. 1964 known as the “Act of Establishing Mambukal Town Site for Health Center and Recreation Resort Purposes,” he added.

He also cited the Local Government Code of 1991 “that empowers LGUs to establish organizations for effective development plan implementation and revenue generation through local taxes and fees.”

Lacson also announced that Mambukal, which traces its history to the construction of the Ishiwata Bathhouse in 1927, will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary.

“This transfer represents a significant advancement in the provincial government’s initiatives to preserve the environment, promote sustainable tourism, and enhance community involvement,” he also said.

Lacson said that with the turnover of the Special Patent Title, “we reaffirm our commitment to uphold Mambukal as a model of responsible stewardship and a source of pride for the present and future generations Negrenses.”

A special patent title, under DENR Administrative Order No. 2025,” is a public instrument issued by the government confirming the grant by the State of the ownership over a parcel of agricultural land (alienable and disposable) in favor of a grantee.”* (EYA)