Metrobank’s Outstanding Filipinos: Bangsamoro’s transformative peacebuilder

September 14, 2024
10:30AM PHT

InsiderPH features the inspiring stories of Metrobank Foundation’s awardees as Outstanding Filipino for 2024 — teachers, soldiers and police officers who are making significant contributions to nation building.

War is typically seen as a clash of armies, yet civilians caught in the crossfire often bear the brunt of its devastation. When the guns fall silent, the absence of sustenance, shelter, and economic opportunity reveals the true human toll.

A pioneer in developmental counterinsurgency, Major Ron JR T. Villarosa is rewriting the rules of engagement. He transforms war-torn regions into thriving landscapes of recovery.

Villarosa has transformed conflict-ridden areas through military prowess and civilian aid. As a frontline soldier, he gained firsthand experience in campaigns against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan from 2013 to 2017. Recognizing the limitations of force alone, he shifted gears, spearheading initiatives that empowered local communities.

As civil-military operations officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, Villarosa launched the “Seed the Future” to revitalize Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities devastated by the 2013 Zamboanga Siege. This initiative served as a bulwark against renewed violence.

Expanding its reach, he introduced “Seed the Future” to former Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan, marking a pivotal moment in their reintegration. Through strategic partnerships, his pioneering efforts were integrated into the Program Against Violent Extremism for Peace program, a holistic approach to counterterrorism and community building.

Major Ron JR T. Villarosa
“War is a political decision, but how we fight it is a military one."

By providing educational opportunities for young MNLF members, Villarosa disrupted the cycle of violence and offered a path to a more promising future. His innovative deployment of Manila-based reservists to conflict zones also facilitated deep community engagement.

Villarosa excelled in forging strong community bonds in conflict-ravaged areas. His innovative “Fighters-to-Farmers” initiative serves as a prime example of this, converting former battlegrounds into productive rice fields. By providing both economic opportunities and powerful symbols of peace, this program has been instrumental in gaining the trust and cooperation of local armed groups.

Another initiative towards non-violent liberation is the “Battleground to Playground” program that transformed conflict-scarred landscapes into vibrant hubs of childhood development. This program benefited both civilian and former Abu Sayyaf children, fostering healing and resilience.

Inspired by the success Battleground to Playground, Villarosa also established Sulu’s first Peace Formation and Learning Center. This transformative space fostered education and skills development among both children and Abu Sayyaf returnees, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and peaceful future.

"A soldier fights not because he hates what’s in front of him but because he loves what’s behind him."/Contributed Photo

As a staff officer in Lanao del Sur, he oversaw the welfare of 3,000 internally displaced persons in the town of Saguiaran. Through effective governance and community-centric programs, he successfully shielded vulnerable populations from being recruited by the Maute-ISIS group.

Called to serve during the Marawi Siege, his expertise was instrumental in managing the crisis. Villarosa adopted a data-driven strategy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, local governments, and universities. He transitioned the Maute-ISIS surrenderees to local authorities upon his departure in October 2020.

Post-Marawi siege, Villarosa was instrumental in spearheading the city’s recovery efforts. His leadership was pivotal in accelerating the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Social Cartography Project, streamlining the rehabilitation process and delivering results two months ahead of schedule.

His commitment to post-siege reconciliation was evident in the “From Firefights to Boodle Fights” program, fostering collective healing among diverse groups.

To address long-term food security, he spearheaded the construction of the Ditsa-an Ramain irrigation system, transforming nearly 200 hectares into productive farmland for former combatants and displaced civilians alike. This vital infrastructure proved invaluable during the height of the pandemic.

"We fight to protect the Filipino people, not to endanger them. We are the armed forces, here to protect our fellow Filipinos. That, to me, is the essence of servant leadership.”/Contributed Photo

Villarosa’s economic revitalization efforts in the Sinumaan Complex in Sulu were instrumental in uplifting the community. By introducing abaca mechanization, he spurred economic growth, empowering parents to invest in their children’s education.

Villarosa spearheaded an infrastructure development for the Sinumaan Complex. His team constructed 11 kilometers of road to enhance accessibility, built three water systems to address basic needs, established the first community library to foster education, and renovated two mosques to support religious practices. These transformative projects became reality through strategic private partnerships that Villarosa cultivated.

Villarosa’s service was recognized in February 2021 when he was awarded as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for his work in Basilan and Lanao del Sur. A graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Entrepreneurship and a seasoned veteran of the advanced Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, he blends military expertise with civilian acumen.

Inspired by Einstein’s insight that “peace cannot be achieved by force; it can only be kept through understanding,” he has dedicated his career to addressing the root causes of conflict as a true warrior-diplomat.  — Metrobank Foundation

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