Land conversion and development in Don Salvador Benedicto town are mushrooming, and prices of its real estate are soaring, after the area was declared the “summer capital of Negros Occidental”, its mayor, Marxlen Laurence de la Cruz, said yesterday.

There is now an upsurge in the conversion of farm lots to residential areas, with the selling now on per square-meter basis, instead of by hectarage, De la Cruz said.

Property in Don Salvador Benedicto now sells at about P5 million, per hectare from P500,000 five years ago, he added.

There are now two subdivisions in the town, also known as the “Little Baguio” of Negros Occidental, because of its all-year cool climate. Its highway from Brgy. Igmayaan to the municipal hall has also been planted with pine trees.

De la Cruz said developers of prime real estate companies in the country have also visited Don Salvador Benedicto, which is about 47 kilometer northeast of Bacolod City, for a survey of the area.

With the influx of new residents, de la Cruz said it is now a challenge for the local government to further improve the delivery of basic services, especially water supply.

The increase in the building of new structures and rest houses indicates their owners appreciation of the cool weather in Don Salvador Benedicto, which marked its 29th founding anniversary yesterday, he added.

Founded on Feb.9, 1983, the town used to be a hotbed of insurgency in the late 1980s. Nehemias de la Cruz, who is now a board member of Negros Occidental, was the first elected mayor of Don Salvador Benedicto. He was succeeded by his wife, Cynthia, who served as town mayor for nine years, and later by their son, Marxlen.

While he is elated by the fast-growing development and transformation of the town, which is a fifth class municipality, Marxlen said they will not allow attempts to destroy its pristine environment.

The two subdivisions in the town are titled properties, he said.

As to the illegal occupants of the Northern Negros Natural Park, we have already informed the concerned government agency to address the issue, he added.*GPB

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