House of Representatives Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday invited young Southeast Asian lawmakers to visit the Philippines in the future, highlighting Bohol as a symbol of the region’s shared natural and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the 3rd Consultative Meeting of the Young Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), held virtually under the Philippines’ hosting, Dy expressed regret that participants were unable to gather in Panglao, Bohol, as originally planned, but emphasized that the invitation remains open.

“We had planned to gather in Panglao, Bohol, so that all of you could sample the best of what the Philippines has to offer: its beautiful beaches, the gracious hospitality of our people, and the rich tapestry of our culture and history,” he said.

Dy noted that beyond its scenic landscapes, Bohol also represents a unique ecological link within Southeast Asia, citing the tarsier, found only in Bohol and other Southeast Asian nations, such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“We hope that in the future, you will grant us the privilege of hosting you there,” he said, reiterating the Philippines’ commitment to fostering closer people-to-people and parliamentary exchanges within ASEAN.

Originally scheduled as an in-person gathering in Panglao, the meeting was moved online as part of a calibrated approach to streamline official engagements and manage rising global costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, while ensuring that regional cooperation continues uninterrupted. (PNA)