Joel Villanueva facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joel Villanueva
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Villanueva in 2024
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| Senate Majority Leader | |||||||||||||||||
| In office July 25, 2022 – May 20, 2024 |
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| Deputy | JV Ejercito Mark Villar |
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| Preceded by | Migz Zubiri | ||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Francis Tolentino | ||||||||||||||||
| Senator of the Philippines | |||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office June 30, 2016 |
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| Chair of the Senate Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Committee | |||||||||||||||||
| In office July 22, 2019 – June 30, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Escudero | ||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Francis Escudero | ||||||||||||||||
| Chair of the Senate Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development Committee | |||||||||||||||||
| In office July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Jinggoy Estrada | ||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Jinggoy Estrada | ||||||||||||||||
| Chair of the Senate Youth Committee | |||||||||||||||||
| In office July 25, 2016 – June 30, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Bam Aquino | ||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Sonny Angara | ||||||||||||||||
| Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority | |||||||||||||||||
| In office June 30, 2010 – October 13, 2015 |
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| President | Benigno Aquino III | ||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Augusto Syjuco, Jr. | ||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Irene Isaac | ||||||||||||||||
| Member of the Philippine House of Representatives for Citizens' Battle Against Corruption | |||||||||||||||||
| In office February 6, 2002 – June 30, 2010 Serving with Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales (2007–2010)
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| Succeeded by | Sherwin Tugna | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||
| Born |
Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva
August 2, 1975 Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines |
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| Political party | Independent (2021–present) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations |
Liberal (2013–2019) Bangon (2004–2013) CIBAC (2001–2021) |
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| Spouse | Gladys Cruz | ||||||||||||||||
| Children | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
| Parents | Eddie Villanueva Adoracion Villanueva |
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| Alma mater | University of Santo Tomas (BS) Harvard University (MBA) |
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Emmanuel Joel Jose Villanueva (/vɪljɑːnuːw[unsupported input]ɑː/), born August 2, 1975, is a well-known Filipino politician. He is often called "Tesdaman" because of his work with TESDA. Joel Villanueva has been a Senator since 2016.
Before becoming a Senator, he led the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from 2010 to 2015. He also served in the House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010. When he first joined the House, he was only 26 years old, making him its youngest member. Joel is the son of famous evangelist and politician Bro. Eddie Villanueva.
Besides his political career, Joel Villanueva is also a basketball player. He plays for the Senate Defenders team in the UNTV Cup. He also played for the Philippine national team and the University of Santo Tomas team.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joel Villanueva was born on August 2, 1975, in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines. He is the second of four children. His parents are the Christian evangelist Eddie Villanueva and Adoracion "Dory" Jose-Villanueva.
He studied at the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce with a major in Economics in 1996. Later, he went to Harvard University in the United States. There, he studied for a Master in Business Administration from 1996 to 1998.
Sports Career
While studying at the University of Santo Tomas, Joel Villanueva was a part of the UST Growling Tigers basketball team. This team won the UAAP Season 56 and 57 championships in 1994–1995. He also played for the Philippine national basketball team in international games, like the first 1994 SEABA Championship.
He returned to playing basketball in 2013, joining the Congress-LGU Legislators team in the UNTV Cup. In 2014, he played for the Malacañang Patriots. After becoming a Senator, Villanueva joined the Senate Defenders basketball team. He was part of the team that won the UNTV Cup Season 6 championship in 2018.
Political Journey
Starting in Congress
Joel Villanueva began his political career in 2001. He was elected to the Philippine House of Representatives as a party-list representative for Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC). A party-list representative is someone who represents a specific group or sector in Congress.
He took his oath of office in February 2002. At 26 years old, he became the youngest member of the House of Representatives at that time. He served in the House from 2001 to 2010. During his time, he helped pass important laws, like the Anti Red-Tape Law of 2007.
Leading TESDA
In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Joel Villanueva to lead the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA is an agency that provides technical education and skills training.
As TESDA chief, he worked to improve the agency. He started a program called "Shoot for your Dream," which featured basketball games with famous players. Villanueva himself played in these games as part of "Team Trabaho" (Team Work). This program aimed to inspire people to pursue their dreams through skills training.
Under his leadership, TESDA's main office and many regional offices received special certifications for their good management. He even took a vocational course in Advanced Food and Beverage Services himself to become a barista. He resigned from TESDA in October 2015 to run for Senator.
Becoming a Senator
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In 2016, Joel Villanueva ran for Senator. He campaigned using his nickname "TESDA Man." His platform focused on creating jobs and improving education. He won the election, placing second overall with many votes.
He ran for re-election in the 2022 senatorial elections as an independent candidate. He was successful again, finishing in 9th place. After winning, he was chosen as the Senate Majority Leader for the 19th Congress. This means he helps lead the Senate's work.
In September 2024, Senator Villanueva questioned a proposed budget cut for the Office of the Vice President. He stressed the importance of following rules and traditions in budget discussions.
Personal Life and Awards
Joel Villanueva has two children, Jaden and Gwyn. He is a big fan of basketball, especially the Boston Celtics team.
He has received several awards for his public service. In 2012, he received the Gawad Dangal ng Lipi for Public Service Award from the Bulacan provincial government. In 2013, he was given the DEVEX Manila 40 Under 40 International Development Leaders Award. His former school, the University of Santo Tomas, also named him the Most Outstanding Alumni. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines gave him an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities, in 2013.
Villanueva used to host a TV show called Adyenda. He also leads a youth organization called the Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan Movement.
Images for kids
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Villanueva playing for Team Trabaho as part of his "Shoot for your Dream" program
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Villanueva in 2015
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Official portrait of Villanueva as a senator for the 18th Congress, c. 2019
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Official portrait of Villanueva as senator for the 19th Congress, c. 2022
See also
In Spanish: Joel Villanueva para niños
