As we look ahead to the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) this coming Sept. 16 to 22, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, we are reminded of the deep and evolving journey of regional cooperation that we have had the privilege of witnessing — and, in some ways, helping shape.

When we had the privilege to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives, we were honored to be elected president of AIPA twice. It was during the 27th Asian Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) General Assembly in Cebu in 2006, that we spearheaded the transformation of AIPO into what is now AIPA, making it more aligned with ASEAN’s growing institutional goals. AIPA has since become a vital platform for strengthening the bonds among our region’s parliaments.

This year’s general assembly carries the theme, “Parliament at the Forefront for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable ASEAN,” a timely reminder of the critical role legislatures must play in crafting laws that uplift the marginalized, protect the environment, and build more resilient communities.

We are also heartened that the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which we founded and launched in Manila in September 2000, has been invited as observer to the AIPA General Assembly. Just last November 2024, ICAPP and AIPA signed a memorandum of understanding officially recognizing ICAPP as a partner-observer. This marks a milestone in the growing collaboration between political parties and parliaments in Asia.

ICAPP today brings together over 350 ruling and opposition parties from 52 Asian countries, providing a rare space where ideological lines give way to dialogue and consensus building. Its mission — to promote democracy, peace, and development — perfectly complements AIPA’s goal of legislative cooperation and regional solidarity.

We have always believed that the partnership between ICAPP and AIPA holds great promise. Together, we can pursue joint efforts on urgent issues like conflict resolution, climate action, human rights, and inclusive development. We can help shape a more connected and peaceful Asia.

We are proud, too, that the Philippine House of Representatives will host the 47th AIPA General Assembly next year. It is a homecoming of sorts for an organization born in Manila nearly five decades ago.

In past columns, we have written about the importance of this partnership — not just between institutions, but among peoples. In these turbulent times, we remain convinced that regional unity, dialogue, and mutual respect are our best hope for lasting peace and shared prosperity in Asia.

Let us keep building these bridges. The work continues.