JIL people have God-given burden and purpose – Joel Villanueva
JIL people, and all Christians, have a God-given burden and purpose, according to former TESDA director general and Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) Chairman Joel Villanueva on Friday.
“Like the prophet Nehemiah, we have a burden and are called for a purpose,” said “Kuya” Joel in sharing his testimony during the 37th anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide in front of a huge crowd at the Rizal Park.
Referencing the Old Testament prophet who oversaw the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, Villanueva stressed, “Like Nehemiah, may burden din pong ibinigay sa atin ang ating Panginoon, sa ating simbahan at maging sa ating inang Bayan!”
“Kaya hindi tayo mapakali hangga’t may kahirapan, hangga’t may katiwalian, hangga’t may korupsyon, hangga’t may nagsasamantala. Nandoon ang JIL people para sa katotohanan, katarungan at katuwiran!”
Now a candidate for senator under the Liberal Party, the youngest son of Bro. Eddie Villlanueva, JIL spiritual director, said that believers are called upon “to build the walls of social justice, good governance, and morality.”
“Joel Villanueva and his family are prayed over by Christian pastors and bishops at the JIL 37th anniversary”
He recalled his 12 years as a congressman of the party-list Citizen’s Battle against Corruption (CIBAC), noting that “fighting corruption is a lonely battle.”
”Napakahirap po. Lahat po ng klaseng persecution, intimidation, ginamit sa atin pero hindi po tayo sumuko,” Joel said.
The Harvard-trained youth leader is proud of his nearly six-year stint as chief of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, transforming it into “one of the best-performing agencies of the government, but not without challenges.”
Despite TESDA’s glowing achievements, he lamented that his name was dragged into controversy involving the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund as a former lawmaker.
“Naparatangan po tayo ng isang bagay na kinasusuklaman ko sa lahat,” he said. “NBI na po ang nagsabing ang documents na ginamit bilang base ng reklamo ay peke. Samakatuwid na peke rin ang reklamong isanampa sa atin.”
Through these trials and adversities, he accepted everything because “heads-up naman ng ating Panginoon, that living out our purpose for him is difficult. But there can be no compromise, no middle ground.”
His experiences in public service has proven that “we are called to make a difference,” citing the accomplishments of TESDA during his watch.
The “TESDA Man” mentioned the agency’s online and mobile training programs that have opened opportunities for more Filipinos to have well-paying jobs and a brighter future. “Dahil po dito, de-kalidad at world-class ang training ng ating mga kababayan sa buong bansa,” he said.
As he enters a new political battle, Joel challenged the JIL faithful not to turn their backs on their respective callings.
“Ano po ang gagawin natin sa ating calling? Tatayo po ba tayo o tatalikod sa tawag ng Panginoon? Kung tatalikod po tayo, we will not have the chance to declare victory and exalt Jesus!”