Murcia: Now almost a century-old, the Ishiwata Bathhouse, an iconic structure inside the provincial government-run Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Negros Occidental, has been recognized as a pillar of Philippine tourism.

According to Philippines News Agency, the award signifies the commitment of the province to the preservation of cultural heritage. Mambukal will soon mark its 100th year, and Ishiwata Bathhouse is the first structure built in the resort, as explained by resort OIC manager Shiela Fuentes in an interview. Fuentes, along with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, received the recognition as a Pillar Awardee during the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards held at Okada Manila, Para±aque City.

In its profile, the resort management highlighted that the Ishiwata Bathhouse, designed by Japanese engineer Kokichi Paul Ishiwata, stands as a testament to the intertwining of culture, architecture, and nature. Built with a neo-classical design in 1927, the bathhouse began as a modest structure around the healing sulfur springs of Mt. Kanlaon. It evolved into a retreat for sugar planters and locals, served as a barracks during World War II, and was later recognized as a historical landmark by the National Historical Institute in 2006.

Located at the heart of the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ishiwata Bathhouse remains a cherished destination for relaxation, healing, and eco-tourism in Negros Occidental. The Pillar Award celebrates not only the bathhouse itself but also the generations of Negrenses, caretakers, workers, and leaders who have preserved its beauty and significance.

Fuentes also mentioned that while the Ishiwata Bathhouse is currently not available for public use, parts of the facility are open for functions such as family events and team-building activities. Plans are underway to retrofit the plumbing system that sources water from the hot springs, with hopes of reopening the three rooms that are currently not in operation.