MANILA (RVA News): In a significant new chapter in the more than 50-year history of Radio Veritas Asia [RVA], Filipino Father Felmar Castrodes Fiel of the Society of the Divine Word [SVD], has been appointed as its new general manager. He succeeds Claretian Father Victor Sadaya who has been general manager since 2016.
The appointment of Father Fiel was made on August 5 in a letter jointly signed by José Cardinal Advincula of the Archdiocese of Manila and chairperson of the Philippine Radio Educational and Information Centre Inc., and Bishop Marcelino Antonio Malabanan Maralit of San Pablo and chairperson of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences [FABC] Office of Social Communication.
Father Fiel has been a consistent academic achiever. He earned his Master of Arts in Theology [Magna Cum Laude] from the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay, followed by a Master of Science in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.
Since his ordination in 2008, he served in a wide range of pastoral assignments, from island parishes in Zamboanga Sibugay to media apostolates in Cebu. He was assistant general manager [2014–2020]—and later general manager [2020–2025]—of the Word Broadcasting Corporation, an SVD-run Catholic radio network dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel.
He is widely recognised for creative community initiatives, such as organising the world’s longest sticky rice cake [biko] event in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay, an endeavour that brought together Muslims, Christians, and Subanen communities in a gesture of peace and friendship.
Father Fiel maintains a vibrant online presence through blogs, YouTube, and other social media platforms. He has also taught broadcasting, journalism, and development communication at the University of San Carlos and Holy Name University
An accomplished communicator, Father Fiel maintains a vibrant online presence through blogs, YouTube, and other social media platforms. He has also taught broadcasting, journalism, and development communication at the University of San Carlos and Holy Name University. Beyond media, he is a sought-after speaker and retreat facilitator, addressing themes ranging from liturgy and pastoral ministry to responsible use of social media.
Father Fiel’s contributions have been recognised through several awards, including the Excellence in Vocation Promotion Award [2012], Best Blog Award at the 2017 Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Inspiring Religious Leader in Media Award from the 2023 International Golden Globe Achievers Awards.
He is scheduled to officially assume office in Radio Veritas Asia on September 1.
Radio Veritas Asia is the Catholic Church’s continental radio and digital media service for Asia, based in Quezon City, Philippines. Established in 1969 through the efforts of the FABC, it began as a shortwave radio station broadcasting the gospel and Church programmes in many Asian languages, particularly to regions where the Church could not openly operate. Today, RVA has transitioned to digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media, producing programmes for the Asian Church.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
RVA continues to carry its mission of evangelisation, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of justice, peace, and human development, serving as the “Voice of Asian Christianity.”
