[HWPL]

[HWPL] Governor of Maguindanao Confers Honorary Peace Award on HWPL Chairman Lee for "Achievements of peace as inspiration to the world”

Honorary Award conferred on Chairman Lee by the then Governor of the Islamic Autonomous Region of Maguindanao Esmael G. Mangudadatu, in recognition of Chairman Lee's global peace movement

On January 24, 2014, a monumental civilian peace treaty was signed in the province of Maguindanao, on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. After a bloody 40-year conflict, a peace agreement was reached at a senior level, bringing about a regional change for peace which no other peace agreement could resolve. This is because this civilian peace agreement, which was conceived under the strong leadership of a civil leader, instilled a "Do It” mindset in local residents.

The protagonist is Manhee Lee, Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). After the civil agreement between the rival warring parties was made through the mediation of Chairman Lee, a mood of peace permeated the island of Mindanao. It was the then Governor Esmael G. Mangudadatu (current Member of the Philippines House of Representatives), a signatory of the agreement, who most vividly experienced HWPL's peace mission and peace culture, and the civil peace agreement mediated by Chairman Lee.

The then Governor of the Islamic Autonomous Region of Maguindanao Esmael G. Mangudadatu (right), confers an Honorary Award on Chairman Lee at the Buluan Gymnasium in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines, on May 25, 2015

The then Governor of the Islamic Autonomous Region of Maguindanao Esmael G. Mangudadatu pledged to collaborate for peace with HWPL in the province following the signing of the peace agreement, through the delivery of peace education. Following the peace agreement, a desire for peace was instilled among residents newly resolved to end the bloody conflict, and Governor Mangudadatu's efforts gained further momentum.

A year later, on May 25, 2015, Governor Mangudadatu produced and conferred an Honorary Award on Chairman Lee as a token of gratitude for his peace mediation. The Award encapsulates the heart of Governor Mangudadatu for Chairman Lee. Laid out like a letter, the Honorary Award reads as follows:-

“To the Peace Advocate Chairman Lee, 

We present to you this award to honor your achievements, contributions, and the work of HWPL. We know and believe that the peace work of HWPL and the strong relationship with the Province of Maguindanao will surely transform not only the Philippines but also the entire world.”

A ceremony for the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace is held with leaders of the Islamic and Catholic faiths, politicians, military personnel and civilians at the Buluan Gymnasium in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines, on May 25, 2015

Furthermore, the Honorary Award detailed Chairman Lee's method of arbitration on January 24, 2014. According to the Honorary Award, Chairman Man-Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light mediated a peace treaty between the then Governor Esmael G. Mangudadatu and former Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Davao Fernando Robles Capalla.

Governor Mangudadatu said, “Through this meeting and the peace agreement, the seeds of peace have been sown in the hearts of the citizens of Maguindanao. The conflict has finally come to an end and the seeds of peace will bear fruit.”

He also emphasized, "Chairman Man-hee Lee, the messenger of peace, runs without hesitation not only to Mindanao but to all places in need of peace to promote the work of peace."

He also said, “The message of peace delivered by Chairman Man-Hee Lee inspired people around the world and changed their thoughts and perceptions of peace.” "Not only that, but it will be solid proof that it is being realized.”

A peace monument to commemorate the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace is erected on May 25, 2015, in Maguindanao, Philippines.

January 24th marks the day the Mindanao Civil Peace Agreement in the Philippines was signed, and this day has been designated to be commemorated yearly for posterity as a reminder of the mediation of the 40-year conflict by HWPL Chairman Man-hee Lee. Locals gather to celebrate the unveiling of the Peace Monument at the 2nd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace in Maguindanao, Philippines, on May 25, 2015.

Governor Mangudadatu said, “We would like to express our sincere gratitude, honor and respect for Man-hee Lee, the messenger of peace and his answer for world peace. Through cooperation between HWPL and the citizens of Maguindanao, I hope that the peace event in Maguindanao will inspire and motivate everyone around the world who longs for peace.”

HWPL Chairman Lee and his peace delegation participate in the ‘2nd Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace’ held on May 25, 2015 (local time) at the Buluan Gymnasium in Magindanao, Mindanao during HWPL's 18th Peace Tour. About 3,000 people, including Muslim and Catholic faith leaders, politicians, and leading military officials, participated in the event and pledged to work hard to maintain and develop peace in Mindanao. To commemorate the peace agreement, they held various events, such as the creation of a “Peace Park”, the unveiling of the “Peace Agreement Monument”, and the “Peace Walk”. In addition, by designating January 24th as 'HWPL Day' for the peace of posterity, everyone will commemorate the Day of Peace together.

As the 18th Peace Tour progressed, the peace delegation met with politicians, lawyers, soldiers, and police representatives in Manila, Maguindanao, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao for 5 days and 4 nights from May 22nd to contribute towards the peace movement of HWPL. They urged for their full participation in a schedule that included a Women's Peace Agreement ceremony.

A commemorative photo is taken of Man-Hee Lee Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (center), former Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Davao Fernando Robles Capalla (left), and the then Governor of the Islamic Autonomous Region of Maguindanao Esmael G. Mangudadatu signing for a peace agreement and world peace in January 2014. This civilian peace agreement, mediated through a Korean peace activist, led to the miracle of gifting peace to the bloodiest conflict in Asia

Peace!