Deputy Speaker and Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas called on women lawmakers across Southeast Asia to translate solidarity into concrete action, saying regional crises should not slow efforts toward inclusive governance.
Speaking at the opening of the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Arenas said the continued engagement of women leaders amid global uncertainties reflects resilience and commitment to progress.
“Even in uncertain times, leadership must not pause and cooperation must not weaken,” Arenas said.
The Philippines is hosting the meeting virtually, bringing together women parliamentarians across the region to strengthen collaboration on political participation, economic empowerment, and gender-responsive policies.
Arenas, who chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and leads the AIPA 2026 organizing team, cited the ongoing global energy crisis, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East, as a test of ASEAN’s unity and preparedness.
She said such challenges underscore the need for stronger regional cooperation and long-term resilience, noting that crises can also present opportunities to demonstrate leadership and collective resolve.
Highlighting the role of the Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA), Arenas described the platform as a driver of inclusion and reform in the region.
“WAIPA is not just a committee—it is a platform that amplifies voices and turns barriers into opportunities,” she said.
She also stressed that progress in representation should go beyond numbers, urging leaders to ensure commitments translate into measurable outcomes.
“Our words must translate into policies, and our solidarity must result in systems that improve the lives of women on the ground,” she said.
Arenas called for deeper cooperation among ASEAN nations to build a region that is economically competitive, inclusive, and responsive to emerging challenges.
She urged leaders to work toward a future where no woman or girl is left behind, adding that ASEAN’s direction will depend on the strength and leadership of its people.
“The future of ASEAN will be shaped by courage and by the leadership of its women,” she said.