Manila: As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) marks its 49th anniversary, House Speaker and AIPA President Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III called on the region's parliaments to ensure that nearly five decades of cooperation translate into credible laws, stronger institutions, and concrete improvements in the lives of Southeast Asia's people.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy emphasized that their work should be measured by the tangible differences made in people's lives rather than the number of meetings held. In a video message commemorating AIPA's anniversary, Dy stressed the importance of earning public trust through credible laws, trusted institutions, and results that bring about improvements.

AIPA was established 49 years ago in Manila by the parliaments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with the belief that the peoples of the region must have a voice in ASEAN through their representatives. AIPA is poised to welcome Timor-Leste as its 11th Member Parliament during the 47th AIPA General Assembly in Manila this November, with twenty-six Observer Parliaments expected to participate.

Dy remarked that the AIPA presidency is symbolized by the balangay, representing the collective journey of ASEAN nations. He articulated that ASEAN needs to unite amidst uncertainty and can only achieve its goals by working together in the same direction.

Throughout the Philippine Presidency, AIPA has focused on advancing parliamentary cooperation on issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, youth and women's participation, and dangerous drugs. The upcoming 47th AIPA General Assembly will focus on strengthening cooperation on regional security, economic resilience and integration, and the well-being of Southeast Asia's people.

Dy concluded by reflecting on the founding parliaments' decision to unite their efforts 49 years ago, continuing the collective journey with a shared vision and destination.