January 9, 2024 –
BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is embarking on an ambitious project to transform the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia into an eco-conscious, world-class destination. This initiative aims to elevate the resort’s status while significantly boosting tourism in the region.
Recent announcements reveal plans to upgrade the resort’s hotel facilities and introduce exciting new attractions for tourists. Governor Eugenio Lacson emphasized the dual focus of the development: achieving global resort standards and prioritizing ecological preservation. “Mambukal has long been a cornerstone of our tourism, and we are committed to its evolution into a premier resort that also champions environmental stewardship,” Lacson stated.
The enhancement includes expanding the hotel’s capacity with additional rooms across various price ranges. Adventure activities such as trail running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, along with new features like tramlines and ziplines, are also on the agenda.
A significant step forward in this development has been the recent acquisition of a 10-hectare area encompassing the resort’s renowned seven falls. The provincial government purchased this land from Mambucal Real Estate Development Corp. for PHP80 million, securing full control and ownership of the critical area. “Our priority will be reforestation, safeguarding our waterfalls, and preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Lacson added.
Following its reopening in December 2021 after a prolonged closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mambukal Resort was officially declared and rebranded as a wildlife sanctuary under Executive Order (EO) 21-45 by Governor Lacson. This order recognizes the resort’s unique ecosystem, home to various endemic and protected wildlife species under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The EO strictly prohibits activities like hunting or disturbing the habitat of the wildlife within the sanctuary. Nestled at the base of Mt. Kanlaon, Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as one of the country’s few bat sanctuaries, highlighting its ecological significance. The planned developments are expected to elevate Mambukal’s status, aligning it with modern tourism trends while maintaining its commitment to environmental conservation.
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