DA USec. DV Savellano passes away

Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano has passed away.

Savellano's passing was announced by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) on Tuesday. He was the NTA's oversight official and part of its Governing Board.



 

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Undersecretary Deogracias ‘DV’ Savellano, a true public servant, a dear friend, and someone whose heart always belonged to the people he served,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday.

The chief executive also recognized Savellano's public service record.

“As governor and representative of Ilocos Sur, DV brought meaningful progress to the province, always guided by his love for Ilocos and its people. He carried that same dedication to his role at the Department of Agriculture, working tirelessly to strengthen our livestock sector and support farmers across the country,” said Marcos.

“To his family and loved ones, I offer my sincerest condolences, DV’s legacy will endure in the lives he touched and in the progress he brought to Ilocos and the nation,” Marcos added. 

Savellano previously served as Deputy House Speaker and Representative of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur, where he took part in forming the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) with NTA officials and stakeholders in 2020.

“During his two terms of governor of Ilocos Sur, he initiated the KABSAT Caravan, a prosperity program giving free-farm machinery and inputs to all farmers in the province including the tobacco farmers,” the NTA said in a post on its Facebook account.

“His dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions to the agency and to the upliftment of the life of the tobacco farmers will forever be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time. His legacy continues to inspire us,” it added.

Savellano was the husband of actress Dina Bonnevie.

—Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas and Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News