DON SALVADOR Benedicto (DSB), the youngest and frontier town of Negros Occidental, celebrated its 42nd founding anniversary on February 9. Once known as a haven for communist rebels, this highland municipality has transformed into a “booming and blooming” locality atop the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).
It is booming economically, having advanced from a 5th-Class to a 3rd-Class municipality — a significant leap in terms of development. Once an exclusively agricultural town, DSB is now emerging as a “tourism haven”, boasting over 60 high-end yet family-friendly resorts. In fact, according to the provincial tourism office, DSB holds the distinction of having the most swimming pools of any locality in Negros Occidental.
At the same time, DSB is blooming with its well-preserved natural wonders. The breathtaking Malatan-og Falls in Barangay Kumaliskis remains a major tourist draw, while the town’s diverse array of endemic flowers — flourishing in various shapes and hues — adds to its scenic charm. Meanwhile, the towering pine trees, which earned DSB the monikers “Little Baguio” and “Summer Capital” of Negros Island, symbolize its beauty and serenity.
With the highest elevation in the province at 5,036 feet above sea level, DSB is a true sanctuary — a place to relax, commune with nature, and marvel at God’s magnificent creations.
ACCESSIBILITY
The accessibility of DSB, made possible by the 81-kilometer Negros Occidental Translink Eco-Highway — which connects Bacolod, Murcia, DSB, and San Carlos — has played a significant role in its growth.
This winding road, a remarkable feat of engineering by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has been a boon for DSB. It has paved the way for investors to explore opportunities in tourism, health and wellness, agriculture, sports adventure, and more.
Spanning a total land area of 170.50 square kilometers, DSB offers immense value for nature trips, business ventures, and leisure activities. With vast, untouched green landscapes waiting to be explored, the town holds endless possibilities for both nature lovers and adventure seekers — as well as for entrepreneurs looking to tap into its potential.
IN THE NAME OF TATAY
Amid DSB’s current booming and blooming status — both environmentally and economically — there remains an unwavering promise that must not be broken.
“In the name of Tatay,” a simple yet profound line from DSB Mayor Mac-Mac de la Cruz, is a tribute to his late father, Nehemias “Nene” de la Cruz. Together with his wife, Cynthia — or Nanay Bebing — Tatay Nene was instrumental in founding DSB in the 1980s.
Now serving his final term, Mayor Mac-Mac has made it clear that, no matter what happens, he will never allow DSB to be overtaken by unchecked commercialization. He firmly rejects foreign investments, believing that progress must not come at the cost of the town’s natural beauty.
Instead, he is committed to striking a balance between nature and development — a lifelong promise he intends to keep in honor of his Tatay Nene.
“I want… we want to maintain the serenity of DSB amid this era of progress and development,” the mayor emphasized.
His resolve is truly inspiring — not only as a tribute to his father’s pamilin-bilin (parting words) but also as a firm stand for preserving DSB’s lush environment within the highly contested Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).
FOR THE IP, TOO
Mayor Mac-Mac’s promise also extends to his deep concern for the indigenous people (IP) community in Barangay Bunga.
The indigenous Ata Bukidnon tribe is a vital part of DSB’s heritage, enriching both its historical and cultural identity. They are the town’s living legacy, integral to the narrative of Negros.
Without the IPs, the story of DSB would be incomplete.
BALANCE
Striking a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth is no easy task for a chief executive like Mayor Mac-Mac. Temptations abound — especially financial offers that could easily sway leadership priorities.
Yet, for 15 years as DSB’s mayor, he has played a crucial role in steering the town toward progress while ensuring that environmental conservation remains a top priority. With strong policies in place, he has successfully guided DSB forward without allowing it to become outdated or over-commercialized.
Much of this steadfast leadership can be attributed to the pamilin-bilin (parting words) of his Tatay Nene, which keeps him grounded in his mission — to develop DSB without compromising the richness and sacredness of its natural environment.
What a remarkable challenge to take on — and one that he has embraced wholeheartedly!
Kudos to Mayor Mac-Mac!
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(Note: DSB became a town on February 9, 1983 through the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.’s Batas Pambansa Bilang 336. It was founded by social activists-turned-lovers-turned-couple Nehemiah and Cynthia de la Cruz, Mayor Mac-Mac’s parents who also became mayors of the town before him.)/PN
