Peace Monument Established in Manila to Support Sustainable Peace

On January 24, 2023, a peace monument was unveiled at Plaza Asuncion in Malate
in support for cessation of war and adherence to peace. It is the first of its kind to be established
at the national capital as well as the regional center of the National Capital Region.
The project was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Manila Metro (RCMM), in collaboration with
a South Korea-based organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light
(HWPL). Since their partnership in 2021, the two organizations have collaborated on various
peace activities and volunteer projects for sustainable peace in the Philippines.
Bishop Justice Raoul Victorino (Ret.), Dean of the Philippine Christian University-College of Law
and Chairman of Peace and Conflict Prevention and Resolution from the Rotary Club of Manila
Metro, said, “These monuments are not just pieces of adorned stones. Monuments serve as a
constant reminder of our efforts and our commitment to reach world peace.”
In attendance also is HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee from South Korea who is visiting the
Philippines for the 11th time. He said, “As I have toured the world 32 times and talked about the
cessation of war as we have to leave a land of peace as a legacy for the future generation, and
this country, the Philippines, is showing this. Let’s do everything we can to do the work of
peace.”
The landmark, the 11th peace monument in the Philippines, also serves as an expression of
support for the “Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War” (DPCW), drafted by international
experts in law to advocate peacebuilding efforts by citizens and governments. The DPCW
supports the President’s Executive Order No. 70, institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach
to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.
A resolution to support DPCW was signed and adopted by the City Council of Manila and its
regular session on December 20, 2022. The turn-over of this document was held right before
the peace monument was unveiled.
Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto expressed his support for peace-building, "The city
government of Manila is advocating peaceful resolution in every concern of our citizens… We
are one with you in promoting peace. Without peace, we will never attain the levels of trust,
cooperation and inclusiveness which are essential for all of us… Let peace reign in our society.”
RCMM and HWPL commit to pursue peace works together through education, volunteerism
projects and various activities for the youth.