Filipino military awards Turkish high school for peace initiatives

The award came after the Turkish high school in the Philippines gave support to people suffering from internal conflict in Mindanao, one of the islands of the Philippines, and provided 38,000 homeless people with humanitarian assistance.
The award came after the Turkish high school in the Philippines gave support to people suffering from internal conflict in Mindanao, one of the islands of the Philippines, and provided 38,000 homeless people with humanitarian assistance.


Date posted: August 31, 2014

The Armed Forces of the Philippines have recognized the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School in Zamboanga for their contribution to peace in the region.

The award came after the Turkish high school in the Philippines gave support to people suffering from internal conflict in Mindanao, one of the islands of the Philippines, and provided 38,000 homeless people with humanitarian assistance. The aid was distributed to needy people by Kimse Yok Mu, the Turkish humanitarian charity that is affiliated with the Hizmet movement, in cooperation with the Turkish schools located in the region.

The military has stated that they did not want this help and initiative to go unrecognized.

Zafer Elen, the general director of the Tolerance Turkish School in the Philippines, has expressed his pleasure over the award.

“The award has been given for the important reason of contribution to peace, a move that once again indicates and confirms that the mission of the [Turkish] schools in this country is understood,” Elen said. He added that the Turkish schools in the Philippines will continue to play the role of a bridge between the two nations.

Elen mentioned that the award given by the military is not the first one that the Turkish schools in the Philippines have received. “In 2011 we were also awarded by a police department for our contribution to peace in the region. In 2012 the Tolerance Turkish School was presented with an award of peace envoy,” Elen said.

Source: Today's Zaman , August 31, 2014


Related News

The Gülen Movement and Turkish Soft Power*

The Gülen approach to education aptly demonstrates the group’s global strategy—Gülen movement schools are open to both Turkish migrants and citizens of host countries, and they avoid advancing a religious agenda. These schools aim to help Turkish migrants succeed in their host societies without losing sight of their Turkish roots, and at the same time they promote social unity by serving the needs of migrants and local students alike. The success of Gülen movement schools stems both from the success of the students (and the satisfaction of the parents) and from the prestige and goodwill they enjoy among local and political authorities for promoting integration and acting as a social mediator.

An Indian professor’s reflections on Erdogan’s visit to India, crackdown on Gulen movement

There has been no evidence of any terrorist activity by the followers of Gulen in any part of the world including Turkey. In India, they have been running their institutions: schools, coaching Institutes, and dormitories for more than 15 years, but none has been accused of any kind of terrorism and crime.

World-famous Hafiz Naina: Turkish Schools serve humanity

The world-famous Egyptian hafiz, Dr. Ahmed Naina said the Turkish schools inspired by Fethullah Gulen are serving humanity worldwide. Noting that he visits Turkish schools in every country he travels, Naina said, “I cut the ribbon on the Turkish school in Egypt. May Allah be pleased with those initiating these services.” Naina recited Qur’an at the event held […]

Pak-Turk schools hold graduates moot

The school administration believes that the action is taken to appease Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who believes that the school promotes and teaches his arch-rival and cleric Fetullah Gulen’s teachings. “We have gone through the school curriculum during our time and have not found them imparting any extremism ideology or anything that goes against the interests of Pakistan,” said one of the graduates.

Tanzanian Minister hails Turkey for continued support in education

Tanzania ISHIK Medical and Education Foundation managed to sponsor more than 200 students to study in Turkey universities in different fields.

Kalashnikov-carrying police raid Gülen-inspired private and prep schools based on ‘reasonable suspicion’

Police carrying Kalashnikov rifles and inspectors from a number of government bodies raided 14 private and prep schools in Mardin province on Tuesday based on “reasonable suspicion” that the schools are involved in tax fraud, a move that comes as part of the government-orchestrated operation targeting the faith-based Gülen movement, popularly known as the Hizmet movement.

Latest News

Turkish inmate jailed over alleged Gülen links dies of heart attack in prison

Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney

Media executive Hidayet Karaca marks 11th year in prison over alleged links to Gülen movement

ECtHR faults Turkey for convictions of 2,420 applicants over Gülen links in follow-up to 2023 judgment

New Book Exposes Erdoğan’s “Civil Death Project” Targeting the Hizmet Movement

European Human Rights Treaty Faces Legal And Political Tests

ECtHR rejects Turkey’s appeal, clearing path for retrials in Gülen-linked cases

Erdoğan’s Civil Death Project’ : The ‘politicide’ spanning more than a decade

Fethullah Gülen’s Vision and the Purpose of Hizmet

In Case You Missed It

Fethullah Gulen’s Message of Condemnation and Condolences for St. Petersburg Terrorist Attack

Message to the conservative intellect on the Armenian issue

Ex-Pentagon advisor says Turkey is heading towards civil conflict, if not civil war

Who wants peace?

Romanian Minister: Turkish schools are raising the next generation of Romanians

Father says wife, 11-month-old son under arrest despite medical problems

Rising Value of Turkey: ‘The Gülen Movement’

Copyright 2026 Hizmet News