3rd IWPG Peace Monument unveiled in Philippines

DAVAO DEL NORTE: The third Peace Monument of International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) was built in Green Paradise Park in Kapalong City, Davao del Norte, Philippines.

The unveiling ceremony was held on August 1 with 250 participants, including Kapalong City Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol and IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun.

The purpose of the peace monument is to commemorate the Mindanao Peace Treaty mediated by the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organisation, on January 24, 2014, and to continue on the spirit of peace.

The first peace monument was established in Davao de Oro, and the second in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The third peace monument was established with the support and commitment of Kapalong City. Mayor Timbol met IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon at the 2023 International Women’s Peace Conference last year and promised to build the peace monument.

Mayor Timbol said, “The IWPG Peace Monument is a reminder to all people, especially women around Kapalong, that peace can be achieved. Just start peace within yourselves, then you can spread it inside your family, and eventually it will spread all over the community. Work as one with peace.”

Green Paradise in Kapalong was once a symbol of crime, violence, and conflict. IWPG’s third Peace Monument established in this location is anticipated to create a wind of peace that will spread a culture of peace all around the world.

After the unveiling ceremony, the IWPG delegation conducted various other peace activities, including hosting Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE) orientation sessions and featuring in a media interview by radio broadcast Aliw, promoting IWPG’s peace activities and inspiring many people.

IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun said, “I hope this monument becomes the landmark of Kapalong, so that all the visitors can overcome their own disputes and realize the value of peace. I hope all Filipino women understand their value and practise peace, so that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is established as an international law.”