Kapalong City, Davao del Norte, Philippines—The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) has unveiled its third Peace Monument in Green Paradise Park, Kapalong City. The unveiling ceremony, held on August 1, saw the attendance of 250 participants, including Kapalong City Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol and IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun.
The monument was established to commemorate the Mindanao Peace Treaty, which was mediated by the Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) on January 24, 2014.
The treaty is a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards peace, and the monument serves as a symbol of the ongoing commitment to this cause. The first two IWPG Peace Monuments were erected in Davao de Oro and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The establishment of the monument in Kapalong was made possible through the support and dedication of the local government.
Mayor Timbol had previously met with IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon at the 2023 International Women’s Peace Conference, where they discussed the importance of promoting peace in Kapalong. This led to the commitment to build the Peace Monument in Green Paradise Park.
Mayor Timbol emphasized the significance of the monument for the local community, particularly for women.
“The IWPG Peace Monument is a reminder to all people, especially women around Kapalong, that peace can be achieved,” she said. “Just start peace within yourselves, then you can spread it inside your family, and eventually it will spread all over the community. Work as one with peace.”
Green Paradise, once known for crime and conflict, is now poised to become a beacon of peace with the establishment of this monument. The IWPG hopes that it will inspire a culture of peace not only in the Philippines but around the world.
Following the unveiling, the IWPG delegation engaged in several peace-promoting activities, including hosting Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE) orientation sessions and participating in a radio interview with Aliw Broadcast. These efforts aim to further IWPG’s mission of spreading peace.
“I hope this monument becomes the landmark of Kapalong, so that all the visitors can overcome their own disputes and realize the value of peace,” said IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun. “I hope all Filipino women understand their value and practice peace, so that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is established as an international law.”
