HWPL: Development of Peace in Mindanao, Philippines

Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) has held various events and activities in the Philippines since June 2013. This includes bringing supplies for relief to the slums, holding conversations with religious leaders for interfaith harmony, and establishing a youth network for peace. 

On 24 January 2014, HWPL worked together with local political and religious leaders to sign a peace agreement for the 40-year conflict in Mindanao. Currently, the civilian group-led peace agreement is being implemented and has contributed to creating an atmosphere of peace between the government of the Philippines and the Moro people.

HWPL hosted the first peace walk festival on 24 January 2014 in General Santos City in Mindanao,  Philippines. Over 1,000 people, including believers from both Catholic and Islam, students from the Mindanao State University, and members of the International Peace Youth Group, participated. 

On the same day, representatives including Esmael G. Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao Province and H.E. Fernado Robles Capalla, D.D, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Davao, signed an agreement for the creation of peace and the cessation of war. According to HWPL, the Mindanao peace agreement proposed a civilian-centered awareness for improvement and action for peace. 

In line with this approach, HWPL is collaborating with local groups to carry out peace initiatives centered around civil society sectors such as education, religion, youth, and women. The mission is to mitigate the factors and sources of conflict to strengthen the core values for peaceful development.

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL, 90, recalls when he held hands with the leaders who signed the agreement. “While the signing of the agreement for peace was shown to the participants, the moderator explained the peace agreement. It was being photographed and videotaped. The crowd erupted in cheers and applauded in joy and delight.”