HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

In 1901, a hunter named Nolario Delute from Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, discovered a beautiful area during one of his trips. He decided to settle there, cultivating the land by planting vegetables, abaca, coconuts, and various root crops. As the first person to discover and develop the area, he became the owner of the lands he tilled; through his diligence and integrity, he achieved bountiful harvests.

Over the following years, many others took notice of the fertile soil in the area. Drawn by its potential, they also began to settle and cultivate the land, following Nolario’s example. Eventually, Nolario Delute donated two hectares of his land to serve as a home for his descendants and companions, leading them to register the settlement as a Barangay.

However, the residents could not agree on who should lead the community: Benida Baldera or Delfin Bernante. Because both individuals wanted to be the leader, the residents decided to split the area into two separate barangays. One was named Sta. Cruz, with Delfin Bernante serving as Captain under the jurisdiction of St. Bernard; the other, led by Benida Baldera, became the Captain of Upper Bantawon, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

Population: 313 (Source): Philippine Statics Authority 2020 Census of Population