HWPL Marks 12th Anniversary of “HWPL Day of Peace” With Major Youth and Interfaith Events in the Philippines

HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) commemorated the 12th anniversary of the HWPL Day of Peace with large-scale peace events held over two days in Kawit, Cavite Province, and Pasay City, Philippines.

The events brought together approximately 6,000 youth participants for a peace walk in Kawit and more than 500 attendees for an interfaith dialogue program in Pasay. The anniversary activities highlighted youth leadership, interfaith cooperation, and education as foundations for sustainable peace.

The commemorative events coincided with the UN International Day of Education, emphasizing the role of education in building long-term peace.

Peace Walk in Kawit: Youth Leading a “Peace Revolution”

On January 23, approximately 6,000 students, teachers, and peace advocates participated in a “Peace Walk” in Kawit, Cavite.

The march began at Water Camp, passed Aguinaldo Elementary School, and concluded at Aguinaldo Freedom Park. The event created a public space where participants shared messages promoting peace and coexistence.

During the ceremony, the first HWPL Peace Monument in Cavite Province was unveiled at the new municipal site of Aguinaldo Elementary School. The monument symbolizes a joint commitment by schools, local government, and the community to uphold peace and unity.

Dr. Antonio Faustino, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Cavite, noted that Kawit—historically known as the site where the Philippine flag was first raised for independence—is now seeing a new generation raise a “flag of peace.”

Interfaith Dialogue in Pasay: Youth Rise for Peace and Unity

On January 24, HWPL partnered with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – National Capital Region (NCMF-NCR) to hold a commemorative event at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City.

Held under the theme “Youth Rise Up for Peace and Unity through Interfaith Dialogue!”, the program gathered approximately 500 participants, including youth leaders, religious representatives, civil society members, and government officials.

A youth-led interfaith panel discussion addressed misunderstandings and prejudices among Catholic, Islamic, and non-denominational Christian communities. Panelists emphasized dialogue, education, and mutual respect as key pathways toward religious understanding.

Youth speakers highlighted that sustainable peace becomes possible when religious differences are transformed from sources of conflict into channels for cooperation.

Rey Angelo Reyes, Chairperson of the Las Piñas City Youth Council, described the program as impactful and insightful, noting that it created meaningful space for youth from diverse religious backgrounds to exchange perspectives.

Certificates Awarded to Peace Education Participants

During the Pasay event, certificates were awarded to:

• 36 facilitators from six schools and youth organizations

• 601 graduates of the Youth Empowerment Peace Class (YEPC)

• 88 graduates of the Religious Peace Academy (RPA)

YEPC is a program designed to equip youth leaders with values and competencies necessary for peacebuilding.
RPA promotes interfaith understanding through collaborative learning between youth and religious leaders.

A “Kawit Pledge of Solidarity for Peace” was also conducted during the ceremony.

Continuing the Spirit of the Mindanao Peace Agreement

HWPL Day of Peace was established to commemorate the Mindanao Peace Agreement signed in 2014 through mediation efforts led by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee. The agreement marked a turning point in efforts to end armed conflict in Mindanao.

January 24 has since been officially declared “HWPL Peace Day” in areas including Buluan, Maguindanao, Darapanan (MILF headquarters), and BARMM.

The 12th anniversary event reinforced the legacy of the peace agreement by strengthening youth-centered peace education, interfaith dialogue initiatives, and community-based cooperation.

Education and Dialogue as Foundations for Sustainable Peace

HWPL stated that it will continue expanding peace culture through:

• Youth peace education programs

• Interfaith dialogue platforms

• Community cooperation initiatives

• International collaboration grounded in the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War)

By connecting education, youth leadership, and interfaith cooperation, the 2026 commemoration demonstrated an ongoing commitment to building sustainable peace beyond symbolic celebration.

Source: https://vo.la/FyLZd9u