Don Salvador Benedicto was founded through sacrifices by the late Nehemias ‘Nene’ dela Cruz and his wife, former Mayor Cynthia dela Cruz, who took on the challenge of leading local residents when the town had not yet developed – streets were not yet concreted nor had the farm-to-market road been established. At that time, a threat from rebels was also prevalent. Locals also encountered difficulties traveling to and from far-flung areas of town.

This year’s Kali-Kalihan Festival, which marked the town’s 37th founding anniversary, closed with the delivery of the Mayor’s Report, where Mayor Marxlene dela Cruz thanked God and friends who provided financial assistance, especially Jerry Sy’s Silver Dragon Construction and Lumber Company.

He admitted that local sugar and rice farmer are unhappy but said he is coordinating with them to plan out alternative farming strategies, including coffee, ginger, peanuts, and pineapple. Local demand for coffee is very high and pineapple plantations in the town continue to grow due to international demand.

Dela Cruz also said he wishes to preserve Don Salvador Benedicto as “the last frontier” and vowed to continue reforestation practices.

Environmental sanitation is another priority, particularly with local residents continuing to defecate in the fields. Around 52 percent of town residents have access to toilets. The mayor took the time to remind residents to acquire their own toilet.

The mayor also wants to ensure nationalism is included in school curriculum.

“Children must be taught to love their country and be good citizens,” he said.

DSB is open to all opportunities that can uplift lives and the local economic condition. It is a town where changes can be seen every year./WDJ