Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Monday urged women parliamentarians across Southeast Asia to push for deeper, system-level change and move from representation to real power in governance. Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Dy anchored his message on building gender-transformative and future-ready parliaments.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dy emphasized the need for transformation beyond gender-responsiveness, advocating for reshaping systems, dismantling barriers, and ensuring women have real decision-making power. He highlighted that inclusion should be measured by impact rather than mere presence and called for creating real opportunities for women to lead, build enterprises, and amplify marginalized voices.
The meeting, hosted by the Philippines via video conference, gathered women lawmakers from across the region to advance cooperation on political participation, economic leadership, and inclusive governance. The virtual format was chosen as part of the Philippines' approach to manage rising global costs, including higher travel expenses driven by tensions in the Middle East. Dy linked women's leadership to stronger institutions and lasting peace in Southeast Asia, suggesting that peace is underpinned by trust in institutions and the future.
Dy cited the Philippines' National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security as part of efforts to promote inclusive governance. He stressed the importance of laws grounded in real needs, budgets reflecting everyday realities, and open, accountable institutions. He also mentioned the need to prepare for a future shaped by technology and climate risks, emphasizing an adaptive, inclusive, and responsible ASEAN.
He urged ASEAN lawmakers to convert commitments into tangible outcomes under the Women's Political Participation and Leadership (WPPL) Plan of Action. While the meeting was originally set in Bohol, the format shift to virtual did not alter its purpose. Dy highlighted the resilience, adaptability, and steady leadership of women leaders during uncertain times and reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to regional cooperation.
Deputy Speaker Maria Rachel Arenas emphasized the urgency of sustained leadership and cooperation among women lawmakers, stating that crises must not derail the push for inclusive governance. Arenas, chair of the AIPA 2026 organizing team, described the global energy crisis as a test of ASEAN's resolve and highlighted the importance of dialogue and action to maintain ASEAN's spirit.
Arenas underscored the critical role of the WAIPA platform in shaping a more inclusive and just ASEAN. She stressed the need to protect and translate gains in women's representation and rights into concrete outcomes, calling for solidarity to become systems and commitments to become change. Looking ahead, Arenas advocated for stronger cooperation to ensure a compassionate and inclusive ASEAN, driven by the courage and leadership of its women.
