Wazzup Pilipinas!?
August 9, 2025 – A powerful coalition of peace advocates gathered to forge a new path toward lasting harmony
In the bustling heart of Quezon City, something extraordinary unfolded on August 9, 2025. As delegates from across the Philippines and beyond filled the halls of the Quezon City MICE Center, a palpable sense of purpose electrified the air. This wasn't just another conference—this was the 3rd National Peace Convention, a gathering that would prove to be a pivotal moment in the global peace movement.
The Power of Collective Vision
The Heavenly Culture, World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL), joining forces with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA), had orchestrated something remarkable. Under the stirring theme "Uniting for Peace and Fulfilling Humanity's Duty Together," the convention brought together a diverse tapestry of humanity—800 peace advocates and leaders whose shared vision transcended borders, cultures, and beliefs.
The magnitude of this gathering was breathtaking. Delegates had traveled from South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Nepal, their journeys representing more than mere geography. They carried with them the hopes of countless communities, the wisdom of varied experiences, and an unwavering commitment to transformation. Among them stood local government officials whose policies could reshape communities, educators whose teachings could inspire generations, religious leaders whose influence could heal divided hearts, and media professionals whose voices could amplify the message of peace to millions.
Beyond Politics: Peace as Cultural Revolution
What set this convention apart was its revolutionary approach to peace-building. Too often, peace is viewed through the narrow lens of political negotiation—ceasefires, treaties, diplomatic handshakes. But the 3rd National Peace Convention dared to envision something far more profound: peace as a cultural and educational imperative that could fundamentally reshape society's DNA.
The convention's focus on youth and education wasn't merely strategic—it was visionary. Recognizing that lasting change requires generational transformation, the organizers understood that today's young people would be tomorrow's leaders, decision-makers, and change-agents. By embedding peace education into the very fabric of learning, they were planting seeds that could bloom into a more harmonious world.
A Moment of Historical Significance
The intellectual depth of the gathering became evident during a pivotal panel discussion that would resonate long after the convention ended. Assistant Professor Aldean Alonto from the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao-Mindanao State University brought academic rigor to the proceedings, while Commissioners Carlo Ebeo and Arvin Villalon from NCCA provided institutional gravitas. Mr. John Rommel Garces, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL Philippines, bridged the gap between global vision and local implementation.
Their discussion centered on a proposal that could reshape how the world remembers and learns from conflict: the inclusion of Bangsamoro peace accords into UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. This wasn't simply about documentation—it was about elevating indigenous peace-making processes to the level of global heritage, recognizing that wisdom about reconciliation can emerge from the most unexpected places.
The Heart of Unity
Perhaps the most stirring moment came when HWPL Chairman Lee Man Hee's words echoed through the convention hall, channeled through HWPL Global Branch 1 Chief Branch Manager Jin Mo Lee. His message cut to the very heart of human longing: "So what our future generations need is a world of peace without wars. Is there anything greater than this? Who will make this a reality? It is all of us today. We must absolutely make this happen."
These weren't mere words—they were a clarion call that seemed to awaken something dormant in every listener. "That is why we have all become one united in heart," Lee continued. "What do we always say at the beginning and at the end whenever we meet? We say, 'We are one' because it is proof that we are one within HWPL."
The phrase "We are one" reverberated through the convention center like a sacred mantra, transforming from simple words into a powerful declaration of shared humanity. In that moment, the barriers of nationality, religion, and culture seemed to dissolve, replaced by something far more profound—a recognition of fundamental interconnectedness.
Strategic Action for Lasting Change
The convention wasn't content with inspirational rhetoric alone. Action plans were meticulously presented to HWPL's key peace committees, each representing a different facet of society's transformation. The international law committee explored legal frameworks for peace. Religious leaders examined faith's role in healing division. Peace education specialists designed curricula that could nurture compassionate future leaders.
Youth representatives brought energy and fresh perspectives, while women's organizations ensured that half of humanity's voice was heard. Media professionals strategized about amplifying peace messages, and corporate engagement specialists explored how business could become a force for positive change. Each committee represented not just a sector, but a pathway through which peace could permeate every aspect of society.
Art as the Language of the Soul
As the formal proceedings drew to a close, something magical happened. The Kaliwat Performing Artists Collective took the stage with "Mindasilang," a one-hour musical theatre performance that transcended language barriers and spoke directly to the soul. Through creative storytelling, they wove a narrative of peace-building in Mindanao that was both deeply local and universally resonant.
The performance wasn't mere entertainment—it was a demonstration of art's unique power to heal, inspire, and unite. As music filled the air and stories unfolded on stage, delegates witnessed firsthand how creativity could serve as a bridge between divided communities, transforming pain into beauty and conflict into understanding.
A Deepened Commitment to Tomorrow
The 3rd National Peace Convention achieved something rare in today's fractured world: it created genuine hope without naivety, practical action without cynicism. The gathering signified far more than continuity from previous conventions—it marked a deepened national commitment to sustainable peace, inclusive dialogue, and collective progress.
Through forging new partnerships and strengthening existing bonds, the convention created a web of connections that extended far beyond the Philippines' borders. Each handshake represented a potential collaboration, each conversation a seed of future transformation, each commitment a step toward the world that Chairman Lee Man Hee had envisioned—a world where future generations could live without the shadow of war.
The Philippines as a Beacon of Hope
As delegates departed Quezon City, they carried with them more than memories and business cards. They carried a renewed sense of possibility, a practical roadmap for change, and most importantly, proof that unity isn't just an idealistic dream but an achievable reality.
The Philippines had demonstrated something profound: that a nation scarred by its own conflicts could become a beacon of hope for the world. By strengthening shared experiences and formulating actionable peace strategies, the country was contributing not just to regional stability but to humanity's collective journey toward harmony.
A Movement That Transcends Borders
The 3rd National Peace Convention wasn't an ending—it was a beginning. As participants returned to their communities, workplaces, and countries, they carried with them the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to continue the work of peace-building in countless contexts.
In boardrooms and classrooms, in houses of worship and halls of government, in newsrooms and community centers, the ripple effects of August 9, 2025, would continue to spread. Each delegate had become a seed carrier, ready to plant the vision of unity in soil that was waiting to be transformed.
The question now wasn't whether peace was possible—the convention had demonstrated that it was not only possible but inevitable when people unite with genuine commitment. The question was how quickly that transformation could spread, how deeply it could take root, and how broadly it could flourish.
In a world often consumed by division and discord, the 3rd National Peace Convention offered something precious: proof that humanity's better angels can prevail, that unity is stronger than division, and that the dream of lasting peace is not just worth pursuing—it's within our reach.
The echoes of "We are one" continue to reverberate, not just in Quezon City, but in every corner of the world where peace advocates dare to believe that tomorrow can be better than today.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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