CHED plan to establish HWPL Peace Monument in 25 state universities


by Eloisa Samonte-Silverio
CHED plan to establish HWPL Peace Monument in 25 state universities
HWPL PEACE MONUMENT–(Inset) The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) peace monument was first establish in Siniloan Integrated National High School (SINHS) during its unveiling ceremony attended by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Ronald L. Adamat; Siniloan Mayor Rainier Leopando; Dr. Mario R. Briones, President of Laguna State Polytechnic University; Dr. Cariza A. Dacuma, Provincial Director of TESDA Laguna; Dr. Gerardo R. Marasigan, Provincial Director of TESDA Quezon, and Atty. Raul Ancheta, President of One World Foundation and Bukid ni San Pedro Calungsod with Dr. Orlando Valverde, CID Chief of DepEd Laguna and personnel of SINHS headed by its school principal Dr. Cecilia Castillo held last February 21, 2022 in Sinloan, Laguna. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO




THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is planning to establish a Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) peace monument in all the 25 state universities in the country in the pursuance of peace.
 
John Rommel Garces, the Chief Manager of HWPL Philippines on Friday said that the plan to establish peace monument in state universities in the country was declared by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ronald L. Adamat in his speech during the unveiling ceremony of first erected HWPL peace monument in Region 4-A at Siniloan Integrated National High School (SINHS) in Siniloan, Laguna last February 21, 2022.
 
The peace monument project was initiated by an international Non-Government Organization named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) in collaboration with partner schools, organizations and communities in the Philippines who signed a partnership for peace education to secure sustainable peace.
The HWPL Peace Monument established at Sinloan National High School in Sinloan, Laguna last February 21, 2022.
 
Garces said the representatives from HWPL and DepEd Laguna – Siniloan District signed a Memorandum of Understanding for peace education, followed by the pinning of Champions of Peace and awarding of certificates led by Dr. Orlando Valverde, CID Chief of DepEd Laguna. 
 
Also present in the said program were Siniloan Mayor Rainier Leopando; Dr. Mario R. Briones, President of Laguna State Polytechnic University, Dr. Cariza A. Dacuma, Provincial Director of TESDA Laguna, Dr. Gerardo R. Marasigan, Provincial Director of TESDA Quezon, and Atty. Raul Ancheta, President of One World Foundation and Bukid ni San Pedro Calungsod. 
 
“The objective behind establishing the peace monument in the school grounds of SINHS is when the students gather and hold the flag ceremony, the peace monument will serve as a reminder to them that they will be taking the role of peace messengers of this country,” Garces said.
 
 Dr. Cecilia Castillo, Principal of SINHS, said, “As the teachers, principals, and staff, we must serve as the role model in promoting justice and love, educating our students to be kind-hearted, caring, responsible, and peace-loving citizens of the nation and the world.” 
 
Commissioner Adamat  aside of 25 state universities, he will also convince the CHED to do the same in all 112 status universities and colleges. 
 
It was learned that a peace education training was held for 11 schools in Siniloan on February 22 to 23 spearheaded by HWPL and by April, they will start the full implementation of peace education in the next academic year as part of the partnership signed between HWPL and DepEd Laguna – Siniloan District.
 
HWPL Peace Education consists of 12 lessons that aim to train the educators and students with the value of peace by raising awareness of the importance of fostering a culture of peace. 
 
Since 2016, more than 200 educational institutions in 34 countries have been designated as HWPL Peace Academies, and Ministries of Education from 9 countries have signed MOAs for the implementation of peace education.

HWPL that led the event has begun its peace initiatives in the Philippines since signing of the Peace Agreement between local leaders in Mindanao on January 24, 2014. The agreement was initiated by HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee, a Korean war veteran, to overcome the 50 years of conflict in the region.

Recognized for the contribution, peace monuments were built honoring the peace agreement in Mindanao. 
 
The first peace monument was erected in Buluan, Maguindanao in 2016 while the second was erected in Sultan Kudarat allso in same year while In 2021, the third peace monument was unveiled in Cotabato City. 
 
Being the first in Luzon, a peace monument in Dingras, Ilocos Norte was also unveiled last January 24 as part of the 8th Peace Day celebration of HWPL. Furthermore, the organization is planning to build a few more Peace Monuments in 2022.

The Peace Monument serves as a landmark of peace in the school grounds being the highlight among their amenities.
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