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

 

 

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 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.”

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.