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 on Wednesday 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.

“Our work must ultimately be measured not by the meetings we hold, but by the difference we make in the lives of our people,” Dy said in a video message commemorating AIPA’s anniversary.

“I have always believed that public trust is earned not through declarations, but through credible laws, trusted institutions, and results that improve people’s lives. That same principle must guide AIPA.”

AIPA traces its beginnings to Manila 49 years ago, when the parliaments of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand established what would eventually become the regional parliamentary organization.

Dy said AIPA was founded on the belief that the peoples of the region must have a voice in ASEAN through their representatives.

From five founding parliaments, AIPA is set to welcome Timor-Leste as its 11th Member Parliament during the 47th AIPA General Assembly in Manila this November. Twenty-six Observer Parliaments are also expected to participate.

He said the AIPA presidency “is symbolized by the balangay – the ancient boat that carried our ancestors across the waters of our region.”

“Its message is simple: amid uncertainty, ASEAN must pull together. We will only reach the shore if we journey together and row in the same direction.”

The Speaker said AIPA has advanced parliamentary cooperation on artificial intelligence, climate change, youth and women’s participation, dangerous drugs, and other regional challenges throughout the Philippine Presidency.

The country’s presidency will culminate in the 47th AIPA General Assembly in Manila this November, where Member Parliaments will strengthen cooperation on regional security, economic resilience and integration, and the well-being of Southeast Asia’s people.

“Forty-nine years ago, five founding parliaments chose to build one boat rather than sail alone. Today, that journey continues. One balangay, one vision, one destination,” Dy said. (PNA)