HWPL to convene 4th National Peace Convention in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — International peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), in partnership with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), will hold the 4th National Peace Convention on Oct. 3 at the University of the East Theater in Manila, as part of the observance of National Peace Consciousness Month.

About 1,000 peace advocates, educators, religious and cultural leaders, youth, media practitioners and civil society representatives are expected to attend the gathering, which carries the theme “Be a Living Legacy of Peace,” HWPL said.

The convention will provide a platform for participants from different sectors to share peacebuilding initiatives and explore ways to strengthen peace education, dialogue and community engagement, particularly among young people, according to the organization.

The gathering comes as the Philippines observes National Peace Consciousness Month every September under Proclamation No. 675, issued in July 2004.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is mandated to coordinate and monitor the annual observance.

This year’s government observance carries the theme “Kapayapaan Pagtibayin, Kaunlaran Paigtingin,” which highlights the relationship between peace and development, OPAPRU said.

HWPL said this year’s convention seeks to encourage participants to move beyond remembering past peace efforts and become active participants in promoting peace through their daily choices, relationships, community involvement and service.

The annual convention, which began in 2023, brings together representatives from government and civil society, as well as religious and cultural communities, educators, youth, media and other sectors, HWPL said.

The event will also feature the Peace Center, an initiative that offers online discussions on Catholicism, Islam, non-denominational Christianity and Hinduism, with sessions facilitated by religious representatives, according to HWPL.

The discussions are intended to give participants an opportunity to learn about different religious teachings and perspectives and encourage dialogue among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

HWPL has also cited its involvement in a civilian peace initiative in Mindanao in 2014 as part of its peacebuilding work.

The organization’s account refers to a local peace agreement involving Catholic and Muslim representatives that it says was facilitated by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee.

The initiative should be distinguished from the government’s formal peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed by the Philippine government and the MILF on March 27, 2014, concluded 17 years of negotiations between the two parties, according to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

PNA reported in March 2026, citing OPAPRU, that the CAB remains a key agreement in the country’s pursuit of peace in Mindanao.

The convention’s emphasis on dialogue and participation also reflects a broader approach to peacebuilding promoted by the Philippine government.

OPAPRU has said that peace cannot be built by government alone and requires the participation of different sectors of society.

HWPL describes itself as an international peace organization advocating the cessation of war through international law, interfaith cooperation and peace education.

Registration for the Oct. 3 convention is free, with organizers inviting interested participants to register through the organization’s event platform.