Brother Eddie C. Villanueva is one of the nation’s leading church leaders who has touched the lives of many Filipinos here and abroad as Spiritual Director and President of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church and Chairman of the nation-wide Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM).

Beyond spiritual commitments

But Bro. Eddie is beyond his spiritual preoccupations.

Apart from being a deeply spiritual man with strong moral convictions and high ethical principles, he is most of all a Filipino who loves his country and his people and a man who is committed to leading the transformation of the Philippines into a prosperous and respectable nation through the Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement which he also heads.

Bro. Eddie believes that pursuing nation transformation is a logical extension of his spiritual crusades. He is Chancellor of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of International Bible Society-Philippines. Apart from these, he is the Chairman of the International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom, a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council of Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) based in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is clear that Bro. Eddie, while pursuing his spiritual mandate has succeeded in shifting his focus to the affairs of the nation particularly on moral and ethical aspects. He has a national view and perspective.

Multimedia practitioner

Recognizing the value of media to reach out and spread the Word and help transform the nation, Bro. Eddie serves as the President and Chairman of ZOE Broadcasting Network, the franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33. He also hosts the TV show, “Jesus the Healer”, aired over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7, and “Diyos at Bayan”, also over ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7. He likewise hosts a radio program, “Tinig sa Itaas”, over DZJV 1458 based in Calamba, Laguna.

Bro. Eddie also leverages on the power of the print media. He writes a column for Abante and Abante-Tonite tabloids and for monthly publications in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He is the author of two books, “Find It! Straight From The Word” and “Surest Covenant”, and contributed articles to two books, “Legacy”, published by Church Strengthening Ministries and “This Is My Story”, published by Cityland Foundation, Inc.

Academic achiever

Bro. Eddie’s national involvement extends also to the academe. He is the longest-sitting member of the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Previous to this appointment, he was a faculty member of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Philippine College of Commerce (now PUP) from 1969 to 1972. Therefore he knows the intricacies of the Philippine economy. He also knows the dynamicss of business and trade beyond his academic exposure. He himself also engaged in business. He was General Manager of Agape Trading Company in 1976-1977. He was also Export Manager of Maran Export Industries in 1973-1975.

In recognition of his achievements, Bro. Eddie has been the recipient of various international and local honors and citations. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California (2008).

He has also received various honorary degrees:

Doctor of Education Management from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (2003)
Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities from Bulacan State University (2003);
Doctor of Divinity from Christian International (CI) based in Sta. Rosa Beach, Florida (1997);
Doctor of Divinity from Vision Christian College in Romana, California (1995);
Doctor of Divinity from Thailand Bible Seminary (1994).

Bro. Eddie was voted worldwide as “Pastor of the Year” in 1988 by Dr. George Otis’ High Adventure Ministries. He was Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1979) by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California.

Recipient of various citations

Aside from these, he was also given the “EDSA People Power Freedom Award” for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 (2001) and the “Gintong Ama” (Golden Father) Award from the Golden Mother and Father Foundation (1996).

Bro. Eddie has also completed various special studies: Integrated Bible Course, Harvestime International Institute (1987-1988); Morris Cerullo School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1984); Special Studies, Rhema Correspondence Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1983); Basic and Advanced Bible Courses under Dr. E.W. Kenyon (1979-1980); Complete Bible Course, Daoud Correspondence School (1978); 14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines-ISSI (1977); Dr. Billy Graham School of Evangelism, Philippine International Convention Center (1977); Regular and Advanced Speech Courses, Speech Training Center (1970).

Humble but illustrious beginning

What was the basic educational background of Bro. Eddie? Bro. Eddie completed tertiary education at the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now PUP, where he was a student leader and consistent academic scholar. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Economics and minor in Finance, in 1969. He was adjudged PCC’s “Best Debater of the Year” (SY 1967-1968).

Bro. Eddie was born on October 6, 1946 in Bocaue, Bulacan to parents Joaquin T. Villanueva and Maria Cruz Villanueva, both now deceased. The elder Villanueva was a former Olympic sprinter who represented the Philippines in the Far Eastern Games for four consecutive years in the 1920s.

He was immersed in both student and labor movements in the 1970’s. He joined the progressive segments of society which opposed military dictatorship. He fought local landgrabbers in Bulacan. He was jailed for his political beliefs and participation in various mass actions.

Bro. Eddie is married to Adoracion Jose Villanueva, who holds a Doctorate in Theology from Promise Christian University in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is currently Executive Director of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide and President/Director of Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation, Inc.

The Villanuevas have four children, all achievers in their own right.

Eduardo “Jon-Jon” J. Villanueva Jr., 37, the incumbent Mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Governance from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, 34, a third-term Member, House of Representatives, Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party-list, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA and holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Eleanor “Joni” Villanueva-Tugna, 32, is currently Vice President for Programming of ZOE TV-11 and Director for Administration of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

Edelisha “Jovi” J. Villanueva, 26, is a Youth Advocate and Educator and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Social Science, from the Philippine Normal University (PNU).