AUG.

13, 2012

NR # 2830C

Statement of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. on the demise of Rep. Salvador Escudero III
We mourn the passing at dawn today of our esteemed colleague Salvador Escudero III of the 1st District of Sorsogon -- a valued personal friend. Despite battling cancer for the past years, Sonny has shown utmost dedication to public service worthy of emulation by all of us who serve in government. To the end he has religiously attended sessions and committee hearings, actively participating despite being in a wheelchair, and committed to his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture. Sonny was also a Dean of the UP College of Veterinary Medicine in Los Baos in the past, having himself earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in veterinary medicine. In behalf of the House of Representatives, my family, and the Filipino people, I extend to him our deep gratitude for the many years of worthy service he has rendered from the time he was Minister of Food and Agriculture during the Marcos era to the very end. His has been a colorful career marked by countless significant legislative contributions particularly in the area of education and agriculture. To his wife, Dr. Evelina Guevarra-Escudero, his son Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero and the rest of the family -- we offer our condolences and prayers of eternal peace for Sonny, as we share your loss for one of the stalwarts of this chamber. (30)