Manila: In a remarkable recognition of his tireless humanitarian work, Fr. Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva, a Filipino Catholic priest known for his staunch advocacy for human rights and his work with drug-affected communities, has been awarded the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
Fr. Villanueva, a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), accepted the award humbly, stating that he receives it on behalf of the widows, orphans, and countless homeless victims of the country’s war on drugs. The controversial anti-drug campaign, launched under former President Rodrigo Duterte, claimed approximately 30,000 lives, leaving families and communities in deep grief.
Born into challenging circumstances and having struggled with addiction in his youth, Fr. Villanueva experienced a profound spiritual conversion that led him to the priesthood. He entered the seminary in 1998 and was ordained in 2006. Since then, he has dedicated his life to serving marginalized populations in Manila and beyond.
In 2015, he established the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center in the Philippine capital. The center offers food, clothing, shelter, and other essential services to the homeless and needy, emphasizing dignity and care in every action. Under his leadership, countless individuals have found hope and support, turning the center into a beacon of compassion and human solidarity.
The recognition of Fr. Villanueva’s work has been met with widespread joy among the faithful and civil society alike. Observers say the award highlights not only his personal courage but also the urgent need for protecting human dignity and rights in regions affected by violence, poverty, and social marginalization.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, established in 1958, celebrates leaders and organizations across Asia who demonstrate integrity, courage, and transformative impact in society a fitting honour for a priest whose life has been a testament to compassion and service.