The Philippines has extended an open invitation to young lawmakers across Southeast Asia to visit the country, highlighting Bohol as a symbol of shared cultural roots and ecological ties within the region.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III made the call during the 3rd Consultative Meeting of the Young Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), held virtually. He expressed regret that the gathering could not proceed as an in-person event in Panglao as originally planned but said the invitation remains open for future engagements.
Dy said the Philippines had prepared to showcase not only its scenic destinations but also the warmth of its people and the richness of its history and traditions. He added that Bohol, beyond its famed beaches, represents a meaningful ecological link across Southeast Asia.
He also highlighted the province’s unique wildlife, particularly the Philippine tarsier—one of the world’s smallest primates and a species found in parts of the region, including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. He described the animal as a natural “ambassador” of the biodiversity shared among ASEAN nations.
Reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, Dy said the Philippines looks forward to hosting future in-person exchanges to strengthen both parliamentary ties and people-to-people connections within ASEAN.
The meeting was initially scheduled in Panglao but was moved online to streamline engagements and address rising global costs amid ongoing geopolitical challenges, while ensuring continued collaboration among member states.