Saraviahanons are mourning the death of former E.B. Magalona Mayor Reynaldo Depasucat, who passed away May 1, while the town was celebrating the Ugyonan Festival, which he conceptualized and started 34 years ago.
The Philippine Flag is flying at half-mast in the town, in honor of the former mayor, who rendered outstanding services to the Saraviahanons for more than a decade.
“It is very sad to hear of Board Member Rey’s passing and even sadder to learn that it happened on the day we were celebrating the highlight of our 34th Ugyonan Festival,” Mayor Marvin Malacon said.
“But we also take comfort in the thought that Saraviahanons will remember him more fondly on our fiesta day, because he was the one who conceptualized and started our Ugyonan Festival,” Malacon added.
Depasucat was first appointed OIC mayor of E.B. Magalona from June 1986 to November 1987, after the EDSA People Power Revolution. He was later elected as the mayor of the town from 1988 to 1998.
After serving as mayor for 11 years, he was elected board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, representing the 3rd District of Negros Occidental, from 1998 to 2007.
A lawyer by profession, Depasucat had passionately dedicated his time and talent to a life of public service.
As mayor and later as board member, Malacon said that Depasucat was instrumental in the growth and development of E.B. Magalona and the 3rd District.
“We are forever in gratitude to him for his invaluable contributions to our municipality and to the 3rd District. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Depasucat family for such a big loss. May you find comfort in the thought that Mayor Rey was dearly loved by Saraviahanons because he had touched so many lives,” he added.
As his godfather, Malacon also thanked Depasucat for his love and guidance. “His brand of public service has inspired me in trying to make my own contributions to the progress of E.B. Magalona.” ||
