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The RMAF board of trustees recognizes his lifelong mission to uphold the dignity of the poor and the oppressed, daily proving with unwavering faith that by serving the least of their brethren, all are restored.

“When I first learned of this award, I simply grew quiet—and I realized, this honor was never about me, but about the many lives and hands that gave it meaning: the homeless man and woman who asked not for food but for dignity, the mother who searched for her son taken by violence, and the volunteers who show up each day with open hearts.

This honor belongs to them.

And so tonight, I receive this Award not as a prize, but as a voice for those who are often silenced.”

At The Forefront: Fr. Flavie Villanueva: Symbol of Faith, Justice and Healing

Father Flaviano Antonio Villanueva, a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, is a priest dedicated to serving marginalized communities, especially the families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims during the Philippine drug war. His work transforms grief and injustice into healing through two main programs: the Arnold Johnson Kalinga Center, which aids the homeless, and “Pagilum,” which supports widows, orphans, and families affected by the drug war. Father Flavy’s personal history as a former drug addict turned priest fuels his empathy and advocacy. He emphasizes healing as a holistic process involving trauma recovery, legal aid, education, and livelihood. Despite threats and political controversies surrounding his work, Father Flavy remains committed to justice, peace, and the sanctity of life, advocating for non-violent solutions to drug addiction and systemic reforms. He calls for accountability from political leaders and remains hopeful for societal change, grounded in faith and human dignity.

Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, SVD
Missionary to the Urban Poor

"To uphold, protect, and respect human rights and human dignity."

“Hindi matatawag na pari kung mananatili sa trono ang isang pari. Ang panawagan ng sinodality makinig. Hindi ka pwedeng makinig kung nasa trono ka. Makikinig ka katabi mo ang mga sugatan. Makikinig ka at mas makakapakinig ka ng maayos kung kasama mo silang naglalakbay.”

“…ito po ang bisa at sabihin nating palatandaan na ang pari ay nakalubog katulad ni Kristo. Amoy ng tupa ang amoy dapat din namin. Kahuli-hulihan nung huling punta ko sa Quadcom, nakita niyo marahil yung aming sagutan ni Digong at ni Medaldia. Ang sigaw niya po sa akin non, “Pari ka! Pari ka.” Ang sagot ko po sa kanya, “Kaya po ako naririto, pari po ako kasama sa Clergy for Good Governance.”