• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Further development of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, is expected after the provincial government of Negros Occidental finally secured a special patent title from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to legally claim the 24-hectare property formerly owned by the national government.
Engr. Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, officer in charge of the Provincial Environment Natural Resources Office, yesterday turned over the Special Patent title of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary area to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, which was also witnessed by DENR assistant regional director Edgardo Rostata and Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas.
Since it is now legally owned by the province through the title, there will be improvements in the area, Lacson said, adding that they also bought an additional 11 hectares of property beside the Mambukal resort, to further expand its facilities.
The governor bared plans to put up additional luxury villas, and open boat rides the resorts’ lagoon, to attract more tourists, noting that Negros Occidental is next to Boracay in Western Visayas, in terms of the number of tourist arrivals.
Atty. Alberto Nellas, the officer in charge of the Provincial Administrator’s Office, said the 11 hectare property at the upper portion of Mambukal Resort was purchased at P9 million.
He said the additional property will ensure effective administration of the resort and its environment.
Gerangaya recalled that in 1994, he and then Gov. Rafael Coscolluela attempted to have Mambukal with a special patent title. Unfortunately at that time, it was the secretary of the DENR who could approve special patents, which was not acted upon.
On June 16, 2024, Gerangaya said the provincial government pursued its quest for the reissuance of the special patents for Mambukal townside, and after compliance of all regulatory requirements, it was granted.
With the issuance of the Special Patent title, we reaffirmed our commitment to safeguarding this treasure for future generations, he stressed, adding ”this title symbolizes more than just legal ownership, it represents a pledge to uphold environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism practices, and responsible development.”
In his speech during the turnover 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 its heartening that over the years, Mambukal has continued to improve as an icon of Negros Occidental,” he added.
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,” the governor also said.
With the turnover of the Special Patent Title to the provincial government, Lacson said “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.”*
