TURNABOUT

When a principled advocate is ignited by an unrelenting fire of injustices, he never backs down. His battles are on the streets. He walks with the oppressed. He amplifies the minority’s outcry. But if an unforeseen turning point captured him between the crossroads of defying and conceding, will he stand his ground? Or humbly surrender in command?

Very acquainted with this is the living testimony of Brother Eduardo “Eddie” C. Villanueva who did not grow up with a silver platter surrounding him in spite of being the son of the former Olympic sprinter, Joaquin Villanueva. His father represented the Philippines in the Asian Games for almost half a decade in the 1920s. Although struggling, Bro. Eddie is a consistent academic scholar in the Philippine College of Commerce (PCC) now known as Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) where his predicaments as a student and an activist turned into renewed perceptions in life.

Young Bro. Eddie, being a dauntless student who is no stranger to massive confrontation, spent most of his spare time either joining or leading protests and rallies. He also became popular around the campus as an excellent debater. Despite his age at that time, Bro. Eddie’s virtuoso voice made a significant contribution in persuading Malacañang to give the 20-hectare site in Sta. Mesa which has now become the main branch of PUP.

“…Ako yung nagpapababa sa mga estudyante at propesor. Magsisimula na ang martsa natin patungong Malacanang. Noong hindi pa namin nakukuha ang 20-hectare Sta. Mesa cite. Ilang rally ‘yun. Pinapapasok kaming mga estudyante at propesor doon sa Malacanang ground…Bakit ang Cebu pinautang ninyo? Itong eskwelahan ng masang Pilipino wala?”

Bro. Eddie stated, while reminiscing about his early days in a personal interview regarding his previous candidacy

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In 1969, his arduous work came into fruition, Bro. Eddie earned his degree in Commerce, majoring in economics and that same year he worked as a full-time faculty member in the Economics and Finance Department. Consumed with passion for the suffering mass and being a professor deeply engrossed in Marxist and Leninist revolutionary tactics and thoughts of Mao Tse Tung, his teaching influenced many students during the height of his activism.

He even reached the point when he started questioning the existence of God. However, his burning devotion cost him his work—he was blacklisted.

Despite all hindrances, Bro. Eddie’s radical life still marched on. Even after marrying Adoracion “Dory” Villanueva who is against his lifestyle did not stop him. According to Bro. Eddie in one of his arguments with his wife, someone must fight for the evils of exploitations against the masses…workers, employees, fishermen farmers, and whether he like it or not, it must be him.

It seems like the walls surrounding his stubborn heart are founded deeply but not hard enough to block the genuine prayer of his older sister Leonora “Leni” Villanueva. She is a dedicated Christian who did not give up on praying and writing countless letters for Bro. Eddie to stop his activism and accept the fact that only the Lord would be able to help him. Leni faced continuous rejection from Bro. Eddie but still she trusted the Lord until the time comes that her brother arrived at the biggest turning point of his life—accepting Jesus as is Lord and Savior.

Soon after receiving the miracle and the indescribable joy from God, Bro. Eddie made a vow that he will offer his life in serving Him. With the help of conviction from Leni, it became a clear sign to Bro. Eddie to give up his personal desire to be a lawyer and businessman and follow His will to go back to his Alma Matter and teach not just what he earned from his degree but most importantly, the Gospel of the Lord.

From being a previous school and workplace, PUP became Bro. Eddie’s mission in life. At first, his application was denied by the Executive Dean of the Department of Economics Raymundo Garcia, who was also his former boss. But instead of being discouraged, Bro. Eddie confided in God and tried to apply again, this time he was accepted. Immediately, Bro. Eddie became the only one given a chance out of all the faculty who were blacklisted.

His journey did not just end up in a classroom being a professor to his students, he became more than that. He started to share the Gospel with 15 students in the Campus through the Bible studies and by utilizing the 10-15 mins of character Education given in every subject. Some students were annoyed and reported him of using all his time to preach that caused him to be transferred to PUP Lepanto.

Overcoming the greater hurdles of life before, it did not become a hindrance to Bro. Eddie’s newfound zeal and passion. Students who were annoyed by him were outnumbered by those students who were transformed by the Gospel and who looked up to him with awe and respect. Jimmeth, one of Bro. Eddies students saw him not just as a professor but more of a brother.

"He is more of a brother and a father instead of a professor. He will take us home one by one. Pay for our snacks. He provided for us.”

Menchie, also one of his students, stated the days when Bro. Eddie brought them to convent, jail and other places where he preaches the Gospel.

From 15 students in 1978, his congregation became as large as needing to use the PUP Amphitheatre which is miraculously permitted by the administration after countless rejections. Decades later, Bro. Eddie became the longest-Sitting Member of the Board of Regents.

Today, Bro. Eddie who was recognized first as a communist-atheist and a radical activist is now looked up to as a blessed man of God. He is also known as a radio-TV evangelist who owns ZOE Broadcasting Network, a commercial TV station now operated by A2Z Channel. He became one of the most anointed evangelists, preacher, and the founder of one of the largest “Full-gospel” churches around the globe, the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW).

This year, hundreds of faithful and dedicated students from the past gave birth to 5 million Christians worshipping God not just in the Philippines but also across 60 countries around the globe united under the church of Jesus Is Lord.

Indeed, Bro. Eddie proved that from being a radical leader he was transformed by God into a great father or brother and his Alma Matter PUP is the ground and birthplace of the most wonderful turning point of millions of lives.