• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Further development of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia town 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 24 hectares of the resort property.
Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, officer-in- charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, on Monday, July 15, turned over the special patent title to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, during the ceremony witnessed by DENR Assistant Regional Director Edgardo Rostata and Murcia Mayor Victor Gerardo Rojas at the Capitol Social Hall.
Since it is now legally owned by the province through this title, there will be improvements in the area, Lacson said, adding that the province also bought 11 hectares of property beside the Mambukal Resort to further expand its facilities.
The governor bared plans to put up luxury villas and open boat rides at the resort’s lagoon to attract more tourists, noting also that Negros Occidental is next to Aklan’s Boracay Island in Western Visayas in terms of tourist arrivals.
Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas, also the officer-in charge of the Provincial Administrator’s Office, said that the 11-hectare property in the upper portion of Mambukal Resort was purchased at P9 million.
Nellas said that the additional property will ensure effective administration of the resort and its environment.
Gerangaya recalled that in 1994, he and then Gov. Rafael Coscolluela already attempted to obtain a special patent title for Mambukal.
Unfortunately at that time, it was the secretary of the DENR who could approve special patents, which was not acted upon, he added.
On Feb. 16, 2024, Gerangaya said that the provincial government pursued its quest for the re-issuance of special patent for Mambukal town site, and after compliance of all regulatory requirements, it was granted.
“With the issuance of special patent title, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding its treasures for future generation,” he said, adding that “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, 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’s 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 also known as the “Act of Establishing Mambukal Town Site for Health Center and Recreation Resort Purposes.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to uphold Mambukal as a model of responsible stewardship and a source of pride for the present and future generations of Negrenses,” Lacson said.
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.” | GB
