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BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano passed away on Tuesday, January 7. He was 65.
He was married to veteran actress Dina Bonnevie.
“His sudden demise is truly heartbreaking. His legacy as a leader who touched the lives of many will remain in the hearts of those who knew him,” she said in a statement.
The Philippine flag at the main office of the Department of Agriculture was flown at half-staff on Tuesday to mourn the passing of Savellano.
“His leadership has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance the productivity, sustainability, and food security in agriculture,” the central office’s statement read.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offered his condolences to the family, describing Savellano as “a true public servant, a dear friend and someone whose heart always belonged to the people he served.”
Savellano began his political career as the vice mayor of Cabugao town in Ilocos Sur before becoming a provincial board member.
He later became a political ally of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, alternating roles as congressman, governor, or vice governor of the province.
He served as vice governor from 1988 to 1992 and again from 2010 to 2016, before being elected governor in 1992, 2001, and 2007.
Savellano was the representative of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur from 2016 to 2022, and a deputy speaker of the 18th Congress.
He filed bills to promote heritage and boost trade and tourism in his home province.
“This vision of a strong and economically robust Ilocos province was close to his heart, and he fought to make it a reality,” an obituary by the University of Northern Philippines read.
He authored the book Ilocos Sur: An Illustrated History, published in 2009.
The former lawmaker faced graft charges, along with Singson, for allegedly misusing the province’s tobacco excise tax share worth P26 million.
Savellano was appointed DA undersecretary for livestock in 2023, and concurrently served as the oversight official at the National Tobacco Administration.
“His commitment to uplifting the lives of farmers and promoting agricultural development has been a hallmark of his career,” read part of a DA statement.
“The DA and the nation recognize his invaluable contributions to public service, particularly in advancing agricultural programs that aimed to ensure food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods.” – with a report from Iya Gozum/Rappler.com
(Editor’s note: Our initial story misstated that Mr. Savellano died in the US on January 6. A Department of Agriculture source has clarified that he died in Manila on January 7.)
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