Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD, Appointed as New General Manager of Radio Veritas Asia

In a significant new chapter in the more than 50-year history of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a Filipino Divine Word Missionary priest has been appointed as its new General Manager.

The appointment of Fr. Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD, was made on 5 August 2025 through a letter jointly signed by José F. Cardinal Advíncula, Archbishop of Manila and Chairman of PREIC, and Bishop Marcelino Antonio Malabanan Maralit, Bishop of San Pablo and Chairman of the FABC Office of Social Communication.

Fr. Felmar succeeds Fr. Victor F. Sadaya, CMF, who has served as RVA’s General Manager since 2016.

Born on March 13, 1981, in San Pedro, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, Fr. Felmar 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, Fr. Felmar has 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 recognized for creative community initiatives, such as organizing the world’s longest sticky rice cake (biko) event in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay, an endeavor that brought together Muslims, Christians, and Subanen communities in a gesture of peace and friendship.

An accomplished communicator, Fr. Felmar 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.

Fr. Felmar’s contributions have been recognized 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, 2025.

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 Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), it began as a shortwave radio station broadcasting the Gospel and Church programs 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 programs for the Asian church.  RVA continues to carry her mission of evangelization, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of justice, peace, and human development, serving as the “Voice of Asian Christianity.”