House of Representatives Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Saturday announced that the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) meetings this year will be scaled down by limiting in-person activities to the General Assembly in October and the Interface Meeting in November, while shifting all preparatory meetings to virtual platforms.
Dy said the move is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to streamline official engagements for the upcoming ASEAN Summit, while responding to the economic pressures brought about by global developments.
“Following the guidance of the President, we are adopting necessary austerity measures in our AIPA hosting – without compromising its objectives,” Dy said in a news release.
“We will focus our resources on the meetings that matter most, while ensuring that the work of parliamentary diplomacy continues uninterrupted.”
He emphasized that the decision comes at a time when the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to drive up global oil prices, with direct consequences on travel and operational costs.
“Patuloy po nating gagampanan ang iniatas na tungkulin sa atin bilang host ng AIPA. Gayunpaman, hindi natin puwedeng isantabi ang epekto ng krisis sa Middle East – lalo na ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis – na direktang magpapabigat sa magiging gastusin kabilang ang plane fares at iba pang logistical requirements (We continue to perform our duties as AIPA host. However, we cannot set aside the effects of the crisis in the Middle East – especially the rising fuel costs – that will directly put a burden on plane fares and other logistical requirements),” Dy said.
Deputy Speaker and Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson Maria Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan, who heads the House’s AIPA organizing efforts, said preparations are being recalibrated to ensure a smooth transition to a hybrid format centered on two key in-person events.
“Following the instructions of Speaker Dy, we are aligning all committees and participating delegations with the revised structure. The General Assembly, scheduled in October, and Interface Meeting in November, will proceed as planned, while all other preparatory engagements will be conducted through secure and efficient virtual platforms,” Arenas said.
She added that the streamlined setup reflects the Philippines’ ability to adapt to evolving global conditions.
“We wholeheartedly support this move by the Speaker as this decision allows us to remain fully engaged with our ASEAN counterparts while ensuring that our preparations are focused, efficient, and outcome-driven,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dy said Philippine lawmakers remain committed to advancing a “people-centered, forward-looking ASEAN,” noting that the shift to digital platforms is both practical and principled.
“Sa bawat desisyon natin, mahalaga pong palagi nating unahin ang kapakanan ng mamamayan (In every decision we make, it is important that the welfare of the people comes first). By maximizing digital platforms, we reduce costs, ease the burden on public resources, and continue to fulfill our responsibilities to our ASEAN partners,” Dy said. (PNA)
