SW News: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands has bestowed a Filipino priest and human rights activist with the prestigious Human Rights Tulip award. Fr Flaviano Lopez Villanueva was chosen for this award for helping families of victims who were subject to extrajudicial killings in the country.

The Human Rights Tulip award established in 2007 is an award that is given to human rights defenders or organizations that promote and support human rights in creative ways. Candidates are chosen for the award based on the courage and hard work they put in to bring about a change in society.

A vocal critic of President Roderigo Duterte, Fr Flaviano, who belongs to the Society of the Divine Word, has faced attacks and persecution. However, he boldly continues to help the poor and the victims of the president’s war on drugs that has led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. In an interview with LiCAS.news, he said, “When I learn about an orphan under my care persevering to study amidst the harsh environment and struggling internet connection; when a widow decides to arise from her slumber and works laboriously to become the father and mother her brood needs; when the victims equate justice with a desire to heal their lives yet courageously and non-violently stand for what is just and true, these stories are my pockets of hope; they are my inspirations.”

The priest runs the Kaling Center for the homeless in Manila. He stepped up his apostolate among the poor, widows and orphans after President Duterte came to power.