Books hold the stories of our past, but they also shape our future. At this year’s Philippine Book Festival held at Megatrade Hall, a historic collaboration takes center stage, one that safeguards peace and heritage for generations to come.
On March 14, 2025, a panel discussion on the ‘Collaboration for the Inscription of the Philippine Accords of the Bangsamoro to the Memory of the World Registry of UNESCO’ was held among the leaders and representatives from the Research and Legal Services of the Bangsamoro Parliament, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Mindanao State University – Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao, and international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).
A key part of this collaboration is the publication of Mindanao’s peacebuilding journey into a book that will serve as an educational resource for students, policymakers, and advocates. Through this, the stories of struggle, dialogue, and unity will be remembered and preserved as a legacy to guide future generations.
Beyond the panel discussion, book lovers and visitors can explore various booths of publishing houses, international partners and government agencies including the NCCA, which features a display on the Memory of the World project.
March 14 is also celebrated globally as it marks the Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a milestone in the global peace movement. The DPCW is a document with 10 articles and 38 clauses drafted by international law experts to be adopted as international law.
In South Korea, HWPL led the ‘Together: Connecting Korea’ campaign, bringing together 170 civil society organizations to foster communication and harmony across Korean society. The event introduced future plans for free traffic and communication between North and South Korea and launched the “Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification,” which will promote socio-cultural exchanges and lay the groundwork for reunification.
HWPL is a UN ECOSOC-accredited international NGO advocating for global peace and cessation of war. For more information, visit www.hwpl.kr.
