• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Saraviahanons are mourning the death of former EB Magalona Mayor Reynaldo P. Depasucat, who joined his Creator on May 1, while the Ugyonan Festival, which he conceptualized and started 34 years ago, was being celebrated.
The Philippine flag is now flying at half-mast in EB Magalona, in honor of the outstanding services he rendered to Saraviahanons for more than a decade.
It is very sad to hear of Board Member Rey’s passing away, 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 as mayor officer in charge of EB Magalona from June 1986 to November 1987, after the EDSA People Power Revolution. He was later elected mayor from 1988 to 1998.
After serving as mayor of EB Magalona for 11 years, he was later elected as a board member, representing the 3rd district of Negros Occidental, from 1998 to 2007.
Atty. Rey Depasucat passionately dedicated his time and talent to a life of public service, Malacon said.
As a mayor, and later as board member, Malacon said that former Mayor Depasucat was instrumental in the growth and development of EB Magalona and the Third District, and “we are forever in gratitude to him for his invaluable contributions to our municipality and to the Third 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 him for his love and guidance.
His brand of public service has inspired me in trying to make my own contributions to the progress of EB Magalona, he stressed.*
