In May, HWPL’s Philippine branch announced peace education textbooks for Southern Leyte, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Laguna Province. They aim to sign an agreement with the Philippine Department of Education to spread peace education nationwide.
Southern Leyte’s Pilot Classes 🏫✨
Southern Leyte’s Department of Education created localized HWPL peace education textbooks and held pilot classes. This was inspired by the peace textbooks for Bangsamoro, introduced at the Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference in January.
The 1st Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference 🎉📖
On January 29, the first Bangsamoro Peace Education Conference took place in Mindanao. Co-hosted by the Department of Education in Cotabato City and HWPL, the conference showcased peace education textbooks with Islamic values. They showed how these textbooks could be used from Grade 1 to Grade 12 through demo classes.
The Peace Education Conference was attended by a total of 668 participantsincluding five high-ranking government officials such as the Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education of Bangsamoro, 50 principals of elementary, middle, and high schools under the Department of Education in Cotabato City, and approximately 613 faculty members.
Looking Ahead 🌟🚀
The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) will validate the textbook. Once approved, it will be distributed to about 4,000 schools, bringing peace education to around 1.26 million students in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
We hope this news will be of great help to you in your quest for peace. We are connected everywhere. Peace is possible, if we bring our minds together.
What do you do when you wake up in the morning and throughout the day? And how do each of those actions impact our humanity?
Most of the time, we live for ourselves, or we live for our family or significant other.
What would happen if we expanded our thinking a little further outward? IPYG Australia branch gave it a try.
Last December, the IPYG Australian branch collaborated with Community Friends organization in the Brisbane City to conduct volunteer activities providing free food and clothing to those in need at Bunyapa Park in West End, Brisbane City.
The IPYG Australian branch initiated volunteer work to disseminate a culture of peace to neighbors and marginalized individuals within the community.
During the recent volunteer activity, the IPYG Australian branch, alongside Community Friends, prepared food to distribute to the homeless and facilitated dialogue sessions to strengthen community networks for people with multi-national backgrounds to have social cohesion.
Why do IPYG Australia branch spread a culture of peace?
What is a culture of peace? Where did that phrase come from?
10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)
4. States should promote a culture of peace, including ensuring conditions in which- (a) citizens are able to participate in the political affairs of the State as equals, regardless of religious or ethnic differences; (e) the wellbeing of all human kind, with the participation of women and men, to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst Nations, States, and peoples may be guaranteed.
I only took (a) and (e) from Article 10 of the DPCW. I admire IPYG Australia for continuing to practice international law, the DPCW, as the answer to peace.
On 17th February, the international peace organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), hosted an online event with approximately 160 media persons from 49 countries in attendance.
This year, HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism marked the publication of its 2nd journal, ‘Peace Journalism Studies’, produced in cooperation with 9 journalists worldwide.
With the theme of “Media Perspective on Conflict Resolution,” this event aimed to sharing the ideas of peace journalism, bringing out collective voice of international network of media for peace.
Everyone has a role in life. Answers to Why are you alive? We live in a society, and each of us has a role to play.
What do you think is the role of a journalist? I think of it as an informing role. To be unbiased, neutral, and objective in presenting the facts.
Among the contributors, 6 speakers delivered addresses on the role of media in building peace, peace-related issues, peace journalism and global security.
For more information, follow the link here. You’ll know what the speakers said. I was very impressed.
Menafn – Beyond Headlines : Global Journalists United for Peace Journalism amidst the Challenges of the Unstable International Situation https://bit.ly/42Pv0b2
We can’t just listen and be done, we have to do something, and I think we can start with the smallest things around us.
Narges Mohammadi, a leading Iranian women’s rights activist and anti-government figure, was selected as the winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize.
It’s for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.
This year’s peace prize also recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against Iran’s theocratic regime’s policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women.
The motto adopted by the demonstrators – “Woman – Life – Freedom” – suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi.
“Iran arrested Mohammadi 13 times and convicted her five times,” Andersen said. The sentence is 31 years in prison and 154 lashes at the moment of announcement.
She couldn’t attend the ceremony in person. Her 17-year-old twin children, who had not seen their mother for eight years, attended the ceremony as surrogate winners. And there was an empty chair between the children. It was for Mohammadi.
Mohammadi has been imprisoned in Tehran’s Evin Prison since he was arrested after participating in a street protest held in 2021 to commemorate the victims of the 2019 anti-government protests. Mohammadi continues to face prison, fines and penalties in an ongoing trial in a separate case while imprisoned.
As Mohammadi was chosen on the day, the number of female Nobel Peace Prize winners increased to 19. Iran has produced two female Nobel Peace Prize winners. The Nobel Peace Prize, which is given to those who contribute to human peace, was awarded for the 104th time this year since 1901.
Narges Mohammadi commented on her Peace Prize as follows: “I will never stop striving for the realization of democracy, freedom and equality. Surely, the Nobel Peace Prize will make me more resilient, determined, hopeful and enthusiastic.” (It is her full letter)
I think I can only say that I pay tribute to her. She’s amazing. Her will is sublime and I wonder how powerful it is. I respect her…
The IWPG also has a strong influence on women’s human rights. There’s nothing we can’t do if we work together. In order to have power, you have to raise your awareness from the civic level, and we have to be one.
That’s a clear fact. If citizen don’t care from the bottom, no matter how tall the tower is, it will collapse.
Do you know a peace documentary? There are still quite a few people in the world who seek peace.
I really admire them. Because they endure things that are difficult for others to pursue easily. I think it’s more noble.
The peace documentary was very touching. As if it were not easy to see plants grow, I felt like I was watching peace bloom like a flower right next to me.
It’s a breakthrough in ending the 50-year bloody conflict in Mindanao, the Philippines
A procession of 10,000 people who filled a total distance of 19.9km is shouting.
Has the peace that men and women of all ages desperately shouted for come?
Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.
The land where death was closer to life than to say, “When peace comes to Mindanao, world peace comes.”
The armed conflict between the Philippine government and Mindanao militants, which began with the “Massacre in Morocco” in the 1960s, has turned into a confrontation between Catholic and Islamic religions, killing 120,000 people over the past 50 years.
The peace documentary “The Great Legacy” captures the end of the conflict through HWPL’s movement that began in 2014 in Mindanao, Philippines.
In particular, the Philippine locals, who melted the weapons used in the civil war to create an HWPL peace monument and wished for peace on the divided Korean Peninsula, resonated with the hearts of the audience and applauded.
The film highlights the HWPL civilian peace agreement ceremony held in Mindanao General Santos City, Philippines on January 24, 2014.
The Chairman Lee Man-hee brought together leaders and locals from both sides who were at the center of the Mindanao conflict. He asked them to raise their hands if they wanted peace, and when all the participants raised their hands, Lee led the two leaders to sign for peace.
Upon hearing the news of the peace agreement, government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) finally agreed on the final annex of the preliminary peace agreement on January 25, and the civil war was effectively ended with the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in March 2014.
The Chairman Lee Man-hee said “We are a family of peace that will achieve peace born in this era. Do you want conflict or peace?”
All people shouted “PEACE!”
HWPL’s sincere efforts and the Chairman Lee’s sincerity made a dramatic peace, which was considered a challenge that could never be solved.
It’s a dangerous place for terrorism and accidental danger. The situation in the Philippines is not easy to push ahead with work among soldiers with guns. Even in such a place, not everyone can risk death to enter. I was really touched by this.
One field participant said, “The first overseas volunteer destination I went to was the Philippines, and I personally found it fascinating to see the first scene people cheering. Since our country is a divided country, we should be more interested in peace than anyone else.
But I really felt that Filipinos are more interested in peace activities than anyone else. After watching this preview, I felt that peace was really coming, so I thought about various activities, including small things and talking about joining together.”
The miracle of peace achieved by everyone being united is recorded as a “great legacy” in later generations. I hope we can all be messengers of peace.
“GREAT LEGACY” A Peace Documentary | Official Trailer
00:00 ~ 00:43 tragedy of war
More than 60,000 soldiers were killed and 5,000 civilians were killed in the recent war. Does the death of soldiers mean enough to the death of civilians?
Was their sacrifice worth it? Who was the sacrifice, and what was the death for what?
There have been countless wars in human history. What did the father and mother think after sending their sons to war?
The Chairman Lee Man-hee is written on the picket.
It often appears as a subject in movies. There has never been a movie in which their deaths were not sad. And the sadness is entirely up to the comrades and their families.
From 43 seconds of the video, there is a tremendous scene.
00:43 ~ 1:37 Countless people shout the end of the war
It is an unprecedented story in the history of Philippines. Aren’t there so many people standing on the street? To be honest, I was very surprised.
There are so many people who want peace! What were they told to come out on the street? What kind of expectations?
The documentary will show the story of 2054 days in Mindanao, where the war was stopped and peace was realized.
This is a record of HWPL and the Chairman Lee Man-hee’s movement.
Why is it a great legacy? There’s an answer from what CEO Lee Man-hee said. Let me know in the comments if you found it.
I haven’t watched the main episode yet, but I’m looking forward to it! I can’t wait to see it and post a review. I really want you to see it, too.
In the Philippines, the 1st National Peace Convention was held on January 25, 2023 with the theme, “Peace Builds One Nation, One Future: Peace is Here”, attended by over 1,500 peace advocates.
The project was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila Metro (RCMM), in collaboration with a South Korea-based organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).
Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Founding Chairman of Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), spearheaded the event.
“We want peace to reign in our country. We want peace to be the language everyone of us will speak and every Filipino and every foreigner will understand. Today, let’s declare peace as a pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but to live in peace,” said Dr. Adamat.
In attendance also is HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee from South Korea who is visiting the Philippines for the 11th time. He said, “As I have toured the world 32 times and talked about the cessation of war as we have to leave a land of peace as a legacy for the future generation, and this country, the Philippines, is showing this. Let’s do everything we can to do the work of peace.”
“Peacebuilding in Mindanao after conflict is becoming known worldwide. This is the case of transforming death into life for peace. Starting with Mindanao and the Philippines, when we unite in love, peace will come to our world. For this reason, everyone in the Philippines has to become one and work together as messengers of peace,” said Chairman Lee.
The five resolutions were consolidated during the second Plenary Session to call for President Bongbong Marcos to proclaim January 24 as ‘National Peace Day’ or “Truce Day”.
I am grateful that there are still people doing the work of peace. Even if it’s hard and difficult, I hope you don’t lose your strength and keep going. 🙂
1st National Peace Convention Plenary 1
1st National Peace Convention Plenary 2
Reference: Philippine Star – Peace advocates attend the unveiling of the Peace Monument at the Plaza Asuncion in Manila on Tuesday. https://bit.ly/3wBf4db
Mindanao is geographically home to 13 ethnic groups. The Mindanao conflict dates back 40 years. The conflict arises in the Philippines when Moro people are reduced to a minority.
Many people suffered from prolonged conflicts between Moro and Christians in southern Mindanao. So the Moros formed a group for independence in southern Mindanao. That’s how the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was created.
There were 120,000 casualties in Mindanao over 50 years. After 20 years of negotiations with the Philippine government, the civil war ended. Motive for that was the Civil Peace Agreement on January 24, 2014.
To commemorate this, they built a peace memorial inside the MILF, designated January 24 as Peace Day, and continued to attend the Peaceful Conference of HWPL.
The process of continuing the ongoing and practical efforts for peace was not easy, but they really tried hard to make it. In the process, they thanked HWPL and Chairman Man-hee Lee for leading the world peace movement.
1st National Peace Convention Plenary 2 – 14:00PM (GMT +8)
The Chairman Lee said, “We are transcending borders, races, and religions for the end of war and peace in the global village. Just as the light, rain and air in the sky give life to many people, we are trying to make peace happen to everyone.”
“We are a family of peace born in this era and making peace. Do you want conflict or peace?”
There was a special event in Cotabato City, where the third peace memorial was erected. One of the combatants returned the weapon, melted it, made a globe, and decorated it on the monument.
Most of the former fighters said they would farm or run small businesses. They are looking forward to spending more time with their families and moving away from the familiar fights.
In each session of the 1st National Peace Convention, there will be speeches followed by an open forum to produce a resolution from each sector group.
These resolutions will be consolidated into one which will be presented to the President during the second plenary session.
The event is organized and spearheaded by the Volunteer Individuals for Peace (VIP), a local peace organization chaired by Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Through the partnership of VIP and CHED with HWPL, the introduction of peace education at the national level and collaboration of peace activities at the international level have been pursued.
I am sure that today’s event will be of great help in achieving peace in the Philippines. We’re going to join the music festival!
I hope you can participate in the scene of peace and develop your sensitivity to peace.
1st National Peace Convention Press Conference Date : Jan. 25, 2023, 09:00AM (GMT+8) Youtube : https://youtu.be/VRr9QrLBHAE
The first National Peace Convention is set to take place on January 25, 2023 (Wednesday) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend from different sectors including lawmakers, university presidents and educators, youth and women leaders, media, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
The 92-year-old HWPL Chairman will be coming to the Philippines in commemoration of the 9th Anniversary of the January 24 HWPL Peace Day.
What is HWPL Peace Day? The Peace Day has been celebrated annually to commemorate a civilian-led peace agreement signed at General Santos City in 2014 to boost reconciliation among the local communities.
This peace convention aims to establish a roadmap towards the attainment of national unity through peace in consonance with the Marcos Administration’s agenda.
Through this event, a resolution will be presented to President Bongbong Marcos for a possible declaration of National Peace Day – a special working holiday.
The chairpersons of the two host organizations will give speeches during the first plenary session to present the milestones achieved for peace-building at the national and international levels, as well as their plans. Vice President is also invited to speak at this session.
1st National Peace Convention Plenary 1 Date : Jan. 25, 2023, 10:00AM (GMT+8) Youtube URL : https://youtu.be/nup8NVp6lwc
1st National Peace Convention Plenary 2 Date : Jan. 25, 2023, 02:00PM (GMT+8) Youtube URL : https://youtu.be/ZObm3hg3E-Q
In the afternoon, parallel sessions will take place for five sector groups: academe and youth, religious leaders, lawmakers and non-government organizations, media, and women leaders.
Do you really want peace? Join the scene of peace!
It is no exaggeration to say that war has coexisted with mankind since the beginning of civilization until now. ‘World peace’ has become a more unfamiliar word than ‘WAR’, and everyone wants world peace but no one thinks it is possible.
Can we really achieve a world of peace without war? Documentary ‘The Great Legacy’ begins with this question. The documentary crew of the past two years have met Mindanao, the Philippines, who is actually at peace.
Mindanao, the Philippines, where gunshots were always heard, was a representative conflict area in the Philippines. The conflict between religion and ethnicity, which began in the Spanish colonial period, was so deep that it was thought to be difficult to resolve.
The distrust and hostility, in people’s minds, that grew in the painful process of negotiations that lasted for more than 40 years were scarier than flying bullets.
In such Mindanao, people began to melt weapons to make farming tools, and a procession of 10,000 people eagerly crying for peace filled the streets. This scene was more surprising than anyone else in the Philippines.
What’s even more surprising is that it started with a Korean peace activist who allowed them to join hands for peace and collect distrust, which was scarier than fighting.
They call him the “Messenger of Peace,” who gave peace and hope that no one could solve. Those who are expanding peace across the Philippines now ask you that question.
“Do you really want a world of peace?”
1st National Peace Convention to Establish Unity for Peace in the Philippines
The first National Peace Convention is set to take place on January 25, 2023 (Wednesday) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
I want you to experience firsthand the power to achieve peace. There are two days left!
Reference:
The Guardian – First National Peace Convention holds in the Philippines http://bit.ly/3iVtSjK
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