#ProudViscans: VetMed alumni earn top agriculture awards for service, leadership

For #ProudViscans Dr. Jerome C. Llano and Dr. Geoffrey G. Cepedoza, becoming veterinarians was only the beginning.  

Today, both Viscan graduates are showing how their veterinary education can open paths to leadership in agriculture.

Dr. Llano, Municipal Agriculturist of San Isidro, Leyte, and Dr.  Cepedoza, Municipal Agriculturist of Danao, Bohol, received separate recognitions from the Department of Agriculture in July 2026.

Dr. Llano was named Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist during the Pasidungog: 128th Department of Agriculture Founding Anniversary of DA Regional Field Office VIII on July 3, 2026, at Fans Hotel, Pawing, Palo, Leyte.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cepedoza received the 2026 Gawad Saka Outstanding Farmer Award in High Value-Crops-Vegetable Category from DA Regional Field Office VII during 128th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VII (DA-RFO VII), at the Golden Prince Hotel & Suites in Cebu City on the same date as Dr. Llano.

Both were awarded for their works in helping farmers, strengthening local agriculture, and serving their respective communities in bigger ways.

Rooted in veterinary medicine, growing through agriculture

Dr. Llano’s journey in public service started in 2016 when he joined the Local Government Unit of San Isidro as a Livestock Inspector II. 

Through commitment to service and leadership, he was promoted to Agriculturist II in 2019 and later became the Municipal Agriculturist in 2023.

He now does work beyond his veterinary profession as he helps oversee programs in agriculture in his hometown.

Even in his current role, his veterinary roots remain an important part of his work. Dr. Llano’s office continues to work with the VSU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to bring free veterinary services closer to the community.

This partnership includes vaccinations, consultations, deworming, spaying, and neutering services, and information on animal health and rabies prevention.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cepedoza took a different path to agricultural leadership. 

His story is just as inspiring.

Before becoming the Municipal Agriculturist of Danao in 2025, he served as a member of Sangguniang Bayan and Councilor of Danao for nine years while retaining his passion and work in farming and veterinary practice. 

Because of his dedication to and work in agriculture, he was awarded as an Outstanding Integrated High-Value Crops Farmer under Bohol’s “Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangigisda’ng Bol-anon” Program. 

He later received the 2026 Gawad Saka Outstanding Farmer Award for his work in vegetable production.

Today, Dr. Cepedoza brings his field experiences to his current position. He helps his LGU develop programs for the betterment of its farmers, livestock raisers, and the entirety of its agriculture sector.

Different paths, same spirit of service

For both Viscans, their journeys show that a veterinarian's role does not always end at the clinic or farm. Sometimes, it leads to the wider work of helping communities grow.

“As Dean of the VSU Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, I take great pride in the achievements of Dr. Llano and Dr. Cepedoza. Their accomplishments reflect FVM’s long-standing commitment to excellence and service to the community,” Dr. Harvie P. Portugaliza, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM) said in an interview.

He added that their accomplishments are a testament to the quality of veterinary education at VSU, which prepares graduates not only for clinical practice but also for leadership in agriculture, public service, food security, and community development. 

Their work also extends far beyond animals and shows how veterinary medicine can create a wider impact.

“Dr. Llano and Dr. Cepedoza used their veterinary training to help farmers improve livestock production, strengthen rural livelihoods, and support Filipino farmers whose vital contributions to food security are often overlooked,” Dr. Portugaliza remarked.

For both #ProudViscans, these awards reflect more than personal achievement. What is important is the people they help, the animals they protect, the farmers they support, and the communities they serve.

Their passion and work continue to contribute to agriculture, food security, animal welfare, and community service, showing their impact goes beyond animal care.

This article is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Good Health and Well-Being, 4: Quality Education, and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

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