News

HWPL Civilian Peace Agreement Creates an Atmosphere of Peace in Mindanao.

Published

3 years ago

29/07/2021

MNN

24 January 2014 – “Day of Peace” Established by HWPL Mindanao residents asked, “Do you want peace or war?” Cheers sounded when the peace agreement led by Chairman Lee Man-hee was signed.

A culture of peace is being fostered in Mindanao, Philippines, a land that has been blood-stained by a 40-year conflict. The civilian group-led peace agreement that was signed on 24 January 2014 is being implemented and is raising awareness for peace among the residents. This agreement largely contributed to creating an atmosphere of peace for a peace agreement between the government of the Philippines and the Moro people.

⶿ HWPL and Peace in Mindanao

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL, Chairman Lee Man-hee) has held various events and activities in the Philippines since June 2013, including bringing relief for the slums, holding conversations with religious leaders for interfaith harmony, and establishing a youth network for peace.

Amid these efforts, Chairman Lee Man-hee was invited to Mindanao by H.E. Antonio J. Ledesma, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

At the time, Mindanao was a battleground of bullets. It was not an easy decision for Chairman Lee Man-hee, an 84-year-old man, to enter into a conflict zone that could potentially take his life. However, Chairman Lee thought, “I cannot deny this request when I was asked to come for peace as a peace activist,” and transcended national borders, ethnicities, and religions to travel to this region.

Chairman Lee realized the Mindanao conflict was a Catholic-Islam religious conflict and hosted the first peace walk festival on 24 January 2014 in Mindanao, General Santos,

Philippines. Over 1,000 people, including believers from both religions, students from the Mindanao State University, and members of the International Peace Youth Group, participated. After the peace walk, Chairman Lee spoke about the necessity of peace to Catholic and Muslim leaders, youth groups, and university professors at a hotel in General Santos.

Chairman Lee criticized the religious leaders that gave rise to this long-time conflict brought with words and religion and emphasized that “God’s will is peace, not war.” He then asked the attendees, “Do you want peace or do you want war,” and had them raise their hand if they wanted peace. When all the attendees raised their hand, Chairman Lee called the Catholic and Islamic representatives to the stage while saying, “Then sign the peace agreement.”

H.E. Fernado Robles Capalla, D.D, Archbishop Emeritus of Archdiocese of Davao, and Esmael G. Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao, signed an agreement for the creation of peace and the cessation of war as the representatives of Catholicism and Islam, respectively, during the spontaneous peace agreement signing ceremony. The Mindanao peace agreement that was mediated by HWPL proposed a “civiliancentered awareness improvement and action”- based approach to peace.

In line with this approach, HWPL began peace activities across the Philippines, including Mindanao, to raise public peace awareness on the universal peace principles of mutual understanding, respect, and harmony. HWPL is also carrying out peace initiatives centered around civil society, including education, religion, youth, and women, in order to eliminate the factors that are sources of conflict and also to strengthen the core values for peaceful development.

News

Air Service World Congress 2024 to be held in Kurumbaa Maldives

Published

1 hour ago

25/04/2024

The Air Service World Congress serves as a significant platform for international representatives from the route development community to discuss the future of global air service growth and development. The annual forum is scheduled to be held from July 9 to July 11 in Kurumbaa Maldives.

Speaking regarding the event to PSM News, Corporate Communication Manager of Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), Shamaan Shakir disclosed that efforts are underway to register airports and airlines, market the congress and ensure maximum number of airports and airlines participate in the forum. Shamaan additionally revealed that decisions have been made such that Velana International Airport (VIA) is set to be the official host of the Air Service World Congress 2024, marking the first time the Maldives welcomes this significant global event.

With 55 airlines attending, the prestigious event will feature insightful industry discussions, individual meetings, and ample networking opportunities. Several discussions are to take place during the event as this forum will serve to connect airlines and airports.

Moreover, Shamaan stated that this presents a unique prospect for VIA to showcase its advancements and establish alliances with prominent airlines. He further emphasised that the congress will assist to acquiring additional airlines to operate flights within other international airports within the nation. Hence, he expressed confidence that the opportunity of hosting the global event will benefit all the airports operating in the country.

VIA was announced as the official host of the event, following the successful conclusion of the Air Service World Congress 2023 in Oakland, San Francisco Bay Area.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

First SEZ approval for floating solar project

Published

1 hour ago

25/04/2024

The first permission under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, has been extended to establish a floating solar system in the Greater Male’ region.

The project was greenlit at the third meeting of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade’s Board of Investment, held on Wednesday.

Ministry of Economic Development and Trade reported it had extended the project approval to Canada’s Abraxas Power Corp, which it is set to run in partnership with Sungrow Power Supply Co Limited.

Under the project, a 150-megawatt floating photovoltaic (PV) power plant and supporting infrastructure would be established, while additional fund injection would required to connect the project to the main electrical grid in the Greater Male’ region.

The initiative is aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of expanding renewable energy share in the national power supply network to 33% by 2028.

While the renewable plan will pave way towards expanding the alternative utility footprint in the Maldives, President Muizzu announced receipt of a large-scale proposal under the SEZ on December 24th, 2023 – days after the government decided to reduce the lowest project value for an SEZ initiative.

Earlier on December 17 last year, President Muizzu reduced the lowest project value of an SEZ projects to USD 100 million, which previously stood at USD 150 million.

The SEZ Act was first introduced in 2015 under which special economic zones focused towards developing various economic initiatives were set.

President Muizzu pledged to inroduce special economic zones across the Maldives and open up foreign investment prospects.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

Uthuru Thila Falhu to reduce imports, ensure food security: Minister Saeed

Published

13 hours ago

24/04/2024

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has emphasised the government’s endeavor to enhance food security through the Uthuru Thila Falhu project, aiming to curtail imports.

In an interview with a private media outlet, Minister Saeed underscored the significance of locally sourced products in ensuring food security for citizens. He also highlighted plans for island-level production.

Additionally, Minister Saeed outlined a upcoming initiative set to launch in Uthuru Thila Falhu, focusing on bolstering food security by cultivating ample fruits, vegetables, and seafood to cater to both resorts and residential areas across the nation. He said that the project aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for the country, aiming to transform Uthuru Thila Falhu into a pivotal food hub.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed disclosed that the Maldives Industrial Development Free Zone has entrusted the China Harbour Engineering Company with reclaiming land and establishing an agricultural zone in Uthuru Thila Falhu. The project includes the creation of a specialized agricultural zone serving as a pivotal distribution center for agricultural products and inputs.

Source(s): PsmNews