By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government plans to expand the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary by acquiring an additional 11 hectares of land, worth P9 million.
“We bought some land beside Mambukal because we want to expand the facilities in Mambukal,” Lacson said.
“We can attract more tourists. Aside from Boracay, Negros Occidental is a province that has the most number of tourist arrivals. So we’d like to give more reasons for tourists to come to Negros Occidental,” he added.
The development will create new recreational activities at the resort, including boat rides in the lagoon.
Earlier, the provincial government formally took ownership of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary with the receipt of a special patent title from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.
The ceremony, held at the Provincial Capitol’s Social Hall on Monday, July 15, marks a milestone in the province’s efforts to preserve the environment, promote sustainable tourism and enhance community involvement.
The special patent title is a public instrument issued by the government confirming the grant by the state of ownership over a parcel of agricultural land in favor of a grantee.
With the transfer, the province is committed to upholding Mambukal as a source of pride for Negrenses.
Lacson expressed his gratitude to previous governors, emphasizing Mambukal as a symbol of Negros Occidental’s heritage.
“For one thing, it is assured that Mambukal is owned by the provincial government, now that we have a special patent title,” he said.
The Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary had a rich history dating back to 1927, with the construction of the Ishiwata Bathhouse, which had been a weekend getaway for provincial government officials and guests even before its official declaration as a town site in 1957.
Over the years, Mambukal Resort has continued to improve as an icon of Negros Occidental, offering recreational activities and wildlife sanctuary to locals and tourists alike.
“We will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Mambukal in a few years, and we are committed to ensuring that this iconic resort remains a symbol of Negros Occidental’s heritage and identity,” Lacson said./JB, WDJ