I gladly welcome the organizers and delegates to the 31st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, or the APPF31.

We welcome this event as an opportunity to deepen our engagement, promote our regional identity, and foster cooperation among our 28
member-countries.

The discussions you will hold over the next few days will be crucial in identifying ways to sustain the gains our countries have made towards our collective development, even as we continue to promote peace and stability in the region.

Let me also recognize the Congress of the Philippines for hosting this event—nearly three decades since we first hosted the forum in 1994.

I am pleased to note that the Philippines’ hosting of the APPF31 comes in the same year that our country has officially joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The recent passage of this vital agreement underscores our country’s resolve to remain an active and valuable member of the Asia-Pacific family as well as of the whole international community.

I trust that you will utilize this forum as a venue to discuss our common interests and concerns such as regional security, transnational crime, free and fair trade, digital innovation, and sustainable and equal economic growth.

Let us also share our best practices to inspire one another, help each other fill knowledge gaps, and foster a supportive community—one that is committed to creating a culture that genuinely nurtures mutually beneficial partnerships with each other.

In line with our global efforts to promote inclusivity, I am pleased to witness the participation of women and young parliamentarians in the APPF31 agenda.

Your active involvement in your respective country’s affairs and this assembly is most welcome, and I look forward to the time when you will assume your places as the leaders of our respective countries.

I invite you to use your voice to echo the need for collaborations and partnerships so that we can come up with measures that will benefit the present and future generations.

Do not be afraid to share novel, innovative, and bold ideas, especially if they have the potential to propel our development in the coming years.

It is, therefore, my hope that the APPF31 delegates will have enlightening and enriching discussions that will yield positive outcomes for the advancement of our region.

Let us continue working together, united by our shared vision for a better future for our peoples and for a stronger and more united Asia-Pacific community.

Once again, I wish the delegates a productive event!

Thank you very much and welcome to the Philippines!

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