[HWPL]

[HWPL] HWPL's 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day in the Philippines

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding HWPL's 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day in the Philippines :)

A Wave of Peace That Began in Mindanao, Philippines, Opening the Way to a Sustainable Future: 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day

Building the Foundation for Sustainable Peace through Peace Education, Youth Leadership, and Interfaith Dialogue

 

Peace Walk in Kawit

 

From January 23 to 24, the 12th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day was held in Kawit and Pasay City, Philippines. Taking place during the week of the UN’s International Day of Education, the event served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of education as the cornerstone of sustainable peace.

In particular, January 24 is a historic day marking the signing of the Mindanao Peace Agreement in 2014, which brought an end to 40 years of bloodshed through the mediation of HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee. The agreement not only resolved a regional conflict but also helped spread a culture of peace throughout the Philippines. The date of the agreement was later legally designated as a commemorative day in the Philippines, becoming both the starting point and foundation of a nationwide peace movement.

 

Peace Club Officers from all schools in Kawit

 

Peace March: A Milestone for Coexistence Established in Kawit

On January 23, approximately 6,000 students, teachers, and peace advocates gathered in Kawit City for a large-scale Peace Walk. The march began at Water Camp and proceeded past Aguinaldo Elementary School to Aguinaldo Freedom Park, as participants expressed their firm commitment to establishing peace. In addition, Cavite Province’s first HWPL Peace Monument was erected at Aguinaldo Elementary School, symbolizing a shared pledge among the school, local government, and community to uphold peace and coexistence.

At the event, Dr. Antonio Faustino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Cavite Province, emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, stating, “More than 100 years ago, the history of independence began here. Today, new heroes leading a ‘peace revolution’ have gathered in this same place.”

 

Unveiling of Peace Monument, Pledge of Solidarity for Peace in Kawit

 

Lei Presentation for the Ambassadors of Peace

 

Youth Forum: Practicing Harmony through Interfaith Dialogue

On the second day, January 24, a forum was held at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City under the theme, “Youth Rising for Peace and Harmony through Interfaith Dialogue!” About 500 youth leaders and religious figures participated in a panel discussion aimed at resolving misunderstandings among Catholicism, Islam, and Protestantism. Participants agreed that true peace can only be achieved when differences are respected. Ray Angelo Reyes, President of the SK Federation of Las Piñas City, and Lowell Mojica, Youth Focal Person of the Youth Development Office (LYDO) of Las Piñas City Hall, described the forum as an insightful opportunity to reaffirm the need for unity and mutual respect across all sectors.

 

Youth Interfaith Panel Discussion

 

Commemorative Photo

 

Celebratory Performance

 

Fruits of Peace: Institutional Partnerships and Nurturing the Next Generation of Leaders

This commemorative event also became a catalyst for expanding practical peace education initiatives. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos–NCR (NCMF-NCR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pledging to introduce the Religious Peace Academy (RPA) within its jurisdiction. In addition, the Schools Division Offices of Navotas City and San Pedro City confirmed plans to actively implement the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC) and RPA programs in high schools under their administration.

Through the event, a total of 36 facilitators were trained, along with 601 YEPC graduates and 88 RPA graduates. These individuals are expected to take on leading roles in fostering a culture of peace within their respective communities.

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/