Speaker Dy to ASEAN women lawmakers: ‘Move beyond representation, deliver real power’

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Monday urged women parliamentarians across Southeast Asia to push for deeper, system-level change and move from representation to real power in governance.

Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Dy anchored his message on building gender-transformative and future-ready parliaments.

“Progress is not enough. As we pursue a future-ready and inclusive ASEAN, we must move beyond gender-responsiveness toward true transformation—reshaping systems, dismantling barriers, and ensuring women have real decision-making power,” said the Speaker.

“Transformation must go beyond representation. It must create real opportunity—for women to lead, to build enterprises, and for marginalized voices to be heard. Inclusion is measured not by presence, but by impact.”

The meeting, hosted by the Philippines via video conferencing, gathered women lawmakers from across the region to advance cooperation on political participation, economic leadership, and inclusive governance. It is being held online as part of the Philippines’ calibrated hosting approach to streamline engagements and manage rising global costs, including higher travel expenses driven by tensions in the Middle East.

In his keynote address, Speaker Dy also linked women’s leadership to stronger institutions and lasting peace in Southeast Asia.

“Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is trust in institutions and in the future. When women lead, peace becomes more durable,” Dy said.

The Speaker from Isabela cited the Philippines’ National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security as part of efforts to promote inclusive and responsive governance.

“At the core of all this is people-centered governance—laws grounded in real needs, budgets that reflect everyday realities, and institutions that are open and accountable,” he said.

“At the same time, we must prepare for a future shaped by technology and climate risks. A future-ready ASEAN must be adaptive, inclusive, and responsible—ensuring no one is left behind.”

Dy urged ASEAN lawmakers to turn commitments into concrete outcomes under the Women’s Political Participation and Leadership (WPPL) Plan of Action.

“We recognize the challenges before us. That is why WAIPA must continue to move from platform to action. The WPPL Plan of Action gives us direction. Now, we must deliver,” Dy said.

“Today’s discussions are not just conversations—they are pathways to real outcomes,” he added.

While the meeting was originally set in Bohol, it was held virtually following adjustments in ASEAN engagements amid global developments.

According to Dy, “while our format has shifted, our purpose has not. If anything, this moment highlights a defining strength of women leaders: resilience, adaptability, and steady leadership in uncertain times.”

He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with you, to listen, and to serve,” he said.

Dy also appointed Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag as Chairperson of WAIPA, expressing confidence in her leadership.

“I am confident that she will discharge this responsibility with dedication, integrity, and professionalism, and contribute meaningfully to the realization of WAIPA’s vision and strategic goals.”