SVD priest named general manager of Radio Veritas Asia

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) announced Monday the appointment of a Filipino Divine Word missionary priest as its new general manager.

Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel was appointed on Aug. 5 in a letter signed by Manila Cardinal Jose Advincula, chairman of the Philippine Radio Educational and Information Center Inc. (PREIC), which has managed RVA for several years.

The letter was also signed by Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit of San Pablo, who chairs the Office of Social Communication of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

Fiel, 44, succeeds Claretian Fr. Victor Sadaya, who had held the post since 2016. He is set to formally assume the role on Sept. 1.

Born in San Pedro, a village in Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur province, Fiel holds a Master of Arts in theology, magna cum laude, from Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City, and a Master of Science in development communication from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Ordained in 2008, he has served in a variety of pastoral and media assignments, from island parishes in Zamboanga Sibugay to communications apostolates in Cebu.

From 2014 to 2020, he was assistant general manager of the Word Broadcasting Corporation, a Catholic radio network run by the Society of the Divine Word. He later served as general manager from 2020 to 2025.

RVA described Fiel as an “accomplished communicator” who maintains a strong online presence through blogs, YouTube, and other social media platforms.

He is also known for community-building efforts, including organizing the world’s longest sticky rice cake (biko) event in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay—a celebration that brought together Muslim, Christian, and Subanen communities in a show of unity and peace.

In addition to his media work, Fiel has taught courses in broadcasting, journalism, and development communication at the University of San Carlos and Holy Name University.

“He is a sought-after speaker and retreat facilitator, addressing themes ranging from liturgy and pastoral ministry to responsible use of social media,” RVA said.

His work has earned 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.

RVA is the Catholic Church’s continental radio and digital media service for Asia, based in Quezon City.

Founded in 1969 by the FABC, Radio Veritas Asia began as a shortwave radio station broadcasting the Gospel and Church programming in various Asian languages—particularly in regions where the Church faced restrictions.

Today, the station has fully transitioned to digital platforms continuing its mission of evangelization, interreligious dialogue and the promotion of justice, peace and human development. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.