• ANDREW ALTAREJOS
The 33rd Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival and 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto officially opened on February 3 at the municipal gymnasium.
DSB Mayor Nehemiah Joe de la Cruz led the opening ceremony for the week-long festivities, running until February 9.
In attendance were Vice Mayor Jugin Jewel Bandolon, 1st District Board Member Laurence Marxlen de la Cruz, and other municipal and barangay officials.
Several activities lined-up for the festivities were presented to the public including the official candidates for Bonga ka Nay, and Zootah sang Kali.
Contestants for DSB Pop Idol – Battle of the First District and DSB Dance Idol entertained the crowd with their song and dance presentation.
One of the most awaited parts of the opening was the presentation of the 14 official candidates vying for the Diwata sang Kali 2026 crown to be held on February 8.
The panel of judges for the Diwata sang Kali 2026 coronation night are Kenneth Vincent Cabungcal, Mister Supranational 2025 – 4th runner-up; Myrna Esguerra, Miss International 2025 – 4th runner-up; Kenneth Marcelino, Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 – 1st runner-up; Yllana Aduana, Miss Earth Air 2023; Miss Universe Philippines 2025, 2nd runner-up; CJ Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024; Katrina Llegado, Miss Philippines Supranational 2026; and Charina Magallanes-Tan, JD, Executive Secretary to the Governor, head of the Provincial Information Office, and Panaad sa Negros Executive Director, Province of Negros Occidental.
The seven competing barangays showcased their respective festival costumes during the pre-judging presentation event for the Best in Festival Costume award for the Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival 2026 street dance competition on February 8. Festival costumes and headdress, including banners are also displayed at the Municipal Hall.
The Agri-Trade Fair was also opened at the new Don Salvador Benedicto public market, as part of the town’s week-long celebration. Locally produced farm products from different barangays are for sale at the trade fair. This year’s festival theme: “DSB @43: Strong as a Tree”.*
