By Dolly Yasa
Bacolod City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson extolled the local leaders of Don Salvador Benedicto for the growth and progress the town has achieved through the years.
The governor particularly cited Mayor Laurence Marxlen dela Cruz for his leadership that has paved the way for the municipality known as a “frontier town” to be among the fastest growing locality in the province.
Lacson was the guest of honor during the opening of the 41st founding anniversary and 31st Kali-Kalihan festival of Don Salvador Benedicto town that kicked off February 3 and will run until February 9, 2024.
Lacson said that the theme of the town for the festivities “All the best at 41st” is befitting for the locality noted as one of the best local government units being the summer capital of the province.
This town has grown by leaps and bounds and this is due to the commendable leadership of Mayor dela Cruz, the governor said.
He also cited the Agro-Trade Fair which is part of the festivities that showcased world-class products and delicacies that “we can be proud of not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.”
Lacson further enjoined the local micro, small and medium enterprises taking part in the trade fair to go to the provincial Technology Livelihood and Development Center which can help them in the labelling and packaging of their products.
He said the provincial government also has free skills training to aid them develop the raw materials in their community.
Lacson stressed that the free skills training is directed at strengthening the micro, small and medium enterprises’ capacities to give them more opportunities in marketing their products.
“I believe that the micro, small and medium enterprises have a significant role in improving our economy and in ensuring our food security,” he further said.
Mayor dela Cruz said “we are grateful for the great harvest, ang banwa namun kilala na sa turismo gid, we are featured in an inflight magazine of one airline.”
Formerly a known lair of the New People’s Army way back in the late 80s and early 90s, the town of Don Salvador Benedicto is also known as the “Little Baguio” of Negros Occidental because of its cool weather and the pine trees that line up the eco-tourism highway which serves as a shortcut for travelers from Bacolod City to San Carlos City.
The travel time is cut by half when one uses the coastal road from Bacolod to San Carlos which takes four hours.
Dela Cruz said that the locality is being eyed to be the site of the PNP regional training center.
