I passed by Don Salvador Benedicto for countless of times but the number of times I explored the town can be counted in my fingers. Aside from the Malatan-og Viewing Deck, the only place in Don Salvador that I spent more than 30 minutes was at the parish church when we were photo-documenting the churches in Negros Occidental.
We were invited to grace the opening of the 20th Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival and 27th Founding Anniversary of Don Salvador Benedicto on Saturday, February 6. Kali or what is popularly known Arnis, is an ethnic Filipino martial arts which Salvadorans celebrate in the annual Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival.
I was there with my boss to present the programs and project of our office for the 3rd Farmer’s Forum but I ended up cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Agro-Trade Fair. I was uncomfortable but Mayor Lawrence Marxlen “Mac” De la Cruz was very friendly and put us at ease.
The Agro-Trade Fair showcases the products of the seven barangays of Don Salvador. Visitors get a chance to buy various agricultural products such as root crops, fruits and vegetables at farm gate prices. Yakon which is known to thrive only in cold climate thrives well in Don Salvador.
Horticulture is also a potential industry for the town. Million flowers, Mickey Mouse plant, lirio and various variegated lampunaya are just some of the bestsellers of local growers. On ordinary days, these ornamental plants are displayed along the highway so motorists can stop over and buy.
Mayor Mac conceptualized the Fiesta sa nayon for this year’s celebration where every barangay were given a counterpart fund by the local government to set-up their booth at the Municipal Hall grounds. All barangays display their products and serve local cuisine to guests. Composo singers entertain the guests while they’re eating. Exotic dishes served were those of freshwater fish “bunog” and frogs. The local government wish to showcase their local culture and hoped to make this a future tourist attraction
The former Mayor of Don Salvador, now Board Member Nehemias “Nene” De La Cruz was instrumental in the passing of Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution declaring the town as the “Summer Capital of Negros Occidenal”.
Taking a cue from his father, Mayor Marxlen’s thrust is also on tourism with the theme “Turismo Isulong, Kauswagan Maagum”. Mayor De la Cruz said that no matter how many times he visited the different places in his town, he’s still amazed at how blessed Don Salvador is. With more than sixty percent of the town still classified forest reserve, the town is still waiting for the approval and awarding of its Town Site which is pending at the House of Senate.
It’s also good to note that the Mayor is very aware of the ill-effects of unabated developments like what is happening to Boracay and other tourist destinations in the country. He said whatever developments in Don Salvador should benefit the people such as employment and should be regulated so that it won’t harm the environment.
I have to agree with him. Of what I have seen so far of Don Salvador, I can say there’s so much about this town that one needs to see and experience. The town is blessed with a good climate, fertile soil and beautiful landscape. These are some of the elements that make this young and small town stand out from the rest of the towns and cities in Negros Occidental. The Summer Capital of Negros Occidental beckons you to come and visit!