HWPL Peace Education: Empowering the Philippines for a Peaceful Future

In a world where peace is often seen as an ideal rather than a reality, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) stands out as a beacon of hope. This NGO has been at the forefront of spreading a culture of peace through its unique peace education program. Let’s take a closer look at how this initiative is transforming lives and promoting unity in the Philippines.

<HWPL Peace Education: Empowering the Philippines for a Peaceful Future 🌏✨>

A Vision of Peace Through Localized Education

Concepcion Villawag, the education superintendent of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of the Philippines, shared her insights in an interview about the importance of HWPL’s peace education and its integration into the Philippines' MATATAG (Strengthened) curriculum. “We can be one through peace, regardless of religion or skin color. Let us unite in peace,” she emphasized, highlighting the transformative potential of peace education.

The MATATAG curriculum, aimed at enhancing the quality of education, incorporates HWPL’s peace education to instill a sense of peace in students, teaching them to internalize and apply these values practically. This approach is particularly meaningful for Muslim students in the Bangsamoro region, aligning with their cultural and religious values.

Bringing Peace Education to Life

The process of localizing the peace education curriculum was a collaborative effort involving multiple workshops and the expertise of sociology and ethics educators. “We developed a peace curriculum that includes the values of Islam while preserving the essence of HWPL’s teachings,” Villawag explained. The curriculum underwent thorough vetting in six schools before its official launch on January 29, 2023, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Convention Center.

The positive impact was evident from the beginning. Villawag noted that not only did students respond enthusiastically, but teachers also found the curriculum inspiring. “Teachers have learned so much from the well-structured materials,” she said. This dual effect of educating both students and teachers reinforces the importance of continuous learning and the promotion of peace.

Support from Leadership

The efforts of Villawag and the education department received recognition from high-profile figures, including Sara Duterte, the Secretary of Education and Vice President of the Philippines, who sent a message of encouragement. This support underlines the importance of peace education in fostering societal change.

From Conflict to Peace: A Legacy of Change

The story of peace education in the Philippines has roots in the peace agreement brokered by HWPL in January 2014, ending decades of conflict between Islamic and Catholic communities in Mindanao. This groundbreaking moment laid the groundwork for HWPL’s peace initiatives and has since inspired the country’s commitment to spreading peace education across its schools and universities.

In 2018, HWPL signed a key Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), an agency overseeing over 2,000 higher education institutions in the Philippines. This agreement was instrumental in integrating peace education into the curricula of both public and private universities through Executive Order No. 1, which mandates that peace education be part of the educational framework.

A Call to Build a Peaceful World

HWPL’s peace education is more than just a program; it is a movement that nurtures the next generation to be peace advocates in their communities and beyond. The Philippine experience is a testament to how localized efforts, supported by global partnerships, can inspire a shift towards a more peaceful society.

Let’s share this story to highlight the importance of education as a catalyst for peace. Join us in supporting HWPL’s mission and advocating for a world where peace is a reality for all. 🌏🕊️

Original Article: https://shorturl.at/brC7l