The Department of Agriculture (DA) mourns the passing of Undersecretary for livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano, a passionate advocate for Filipino farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel expressed profound sorrow over Savellano’s sudden passing, describing it as a loss felt deeply within the department and across the communities he dedicated his life to serve.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a dear friend, colleague, and Undersecretary for Livestock, Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano. The shock of his sudden and deep loss echoes not only throughout the Department of Agriculture but across the countless lives DV touched and transformed,” Tiu Laurel said.
Tiu Laurel hailed Savellano as a visionary whose policies were rooted in an enduring love for farmers and rural communities.
“DV was much more than a colleague―he was a friend, a beacon of positivity and an unyielding advocate for the welfare of the Filipino people. His dedication to agriculture was resolute, always guided by a singular purpose: to uplift the lives of those who depended on the land,” Tiu Laurel said.
Savellano’s early career in local governance and leadership in advancing sustainable agricultural practices highlighted his lifelong commitment to rural development.
He was passionate about unlocking the potential of bamboo, seeing it as a symbol of quiet strength, resilience and economic opportunity for Filipino farmers.
“From his early work in local governance to his pivotal role in the Department, DV never lost sight of the struggles faced by the common farmer because he shared their journey. He understood their aspirations, their challenges, and above all, their untapped potential,” Tiu Laurel said.
Savellano’s tenure as a public servant in Ilocos Sur remains a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and belief in a brighter future for the Filipino people.
Tiu Laurel vowed to honor Savellano’s legacy by continuing the work he began and upholding the values he stood for.
“Rest in peace, Usec DV. Though your time with us was far too short, your spirit, your vision, and your unwavering commitment will continue to guide us in the work that lies ahead. Your legacy is etched into the very fabric of the Department, and we will carry it forward with the same passion, devotion, and love that you demonstrated throughout your life. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten,” Laurel said.
Savellano’s contributions to the agricultural sector and the lives of countless farmers will remain a lasting part of the nation’s progress, the DA said.
