Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Eastern Visayas, a region comprising six provinces and one highly urbanized 
city, has the potential to be a premiere investment destination in the Philippines. 
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Eastern Visayas poses a steady 
Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate of six percent (6%) in 2021 and a population of 
4,547,150 in 2020, accounting for 4.17 percent of the Philippine population. 
Considering this potential for growth, there is a clear need for an authority that 
will help facilitate investments and spur development in Eastern Visayas. The 
presence of this authority will help in providing jobs for the local population, boosting 
local industries, streamlining government efforts towards sustainable development, 
and accelerate economic growth. 
This piece of legislation proposes the creation of the Eastern Visayas 
Development Authority (EVDA), which aims to fulfill the aforementioned objectives 
through its powers outlined in section 7. 
In the 18th Congress, this bill was filed by Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and 
Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. It was approved by the House of 
Representatives on third reading, and transmitted to the Senate. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
August 30, 2022
8:02 am
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 Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative 
HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE EASTERN VISAYAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EVDA), 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR  
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of the Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Eastern Visayas 
Development Authority (EVDA) Act”. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote 
and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic and social growth of 
Eastern Visayas and ensure its speedy rehabilitation in the aftermath of typhoon 
Haiyan by increasing trade, tourism, and investments, encouraging private enterprise, 
and advancing efforts towards progress and development within the context of 
national plans and policies in order to provide jobs to the people, especially those in 
rural areas, increase their productivity and their individual and family incomes, and 
thereby improve the quality of their living conditions. 
Towards this end, an effective institutional mechanism shall be established in order to 
address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and 
implementation of plans, programs, and projects geared towards economic growth 
and development in the Eastern Visayas region, including the establishment, among 
others, of special economic zones. 
SEC. 3. Creation - The Eastern Visayas Development Authority, hereinafter referred to 
as the Authority, is hereby created, which shall promote, coordinate and facilitate the 
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active and extensive participation of all sectors in the socioeconomic development of 
Eastern Visayas. 
SEC. 4. Coverage - The Authority shall cover all the provinces of Northern Samar, 
Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte, the independent 
City of Ormoc and the highly urbanized City of Tacloban. 
SEC. 5. Main Office.- The Authority shall have its main office in Tacloban City. It may 
establish other satellite offices in Metro Manila and in other provinces within Eastern 
Visayas, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of this Act.  The Authority shall have a 
term of fifty (50) years from the effectivity of its Act, renewable for the same period 
unless otherwise provided by law. 
SEC. 6. Purpose.– The Authority shall have the following purposes and objectives: 
(a)   To promote the development of Eastern Visayas by initiating or 
undertaking, by itself or otherwise, development and business projects of 
corporate, economic nature whether in agriculture, power, infrastructure, 
energy, public utilities, land development, manufacturing, exploration  or 
utilization of natural resources and other fields or projects; 
(b)  To integrate government and private sector efforts and resources in the 
pursuit of sustainable development and balanced growth of Eastern Visayas, 
as proposed in the post-Haiyan rehabilitation plan and other relevant 
development plans, programs and projects; 
(c)   To facilitate investments in any field as would enhance the economic 
development of the region; 
(d)  To provide a model for the full implementation of a comprehensive regional 
industrialization and agricultural modernization policy. 
SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Authority. –The Authority shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
(a) Formulate an integrated development framework for Eastern Visayas that 
is, as far as practicable, consistent with the peace and development initiatives 
of the national government; 
(b) Provide strategic direction for the long-term economic development of 
Eastern Visayas; 
(c) Integrate, prioritize, program, and implement, whenever allowed and 
authorized by applicable laws, specific programs, activities and projects within 


Eastern Visayas, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, 
subject to such limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules, and regulations; 
(d) Recommend to and, whenever necessary, call upon the appropriate 
agencies of the national government and any of its instrumentalities,  to lend 
the necessary technical support for, assistance  and prioritization in the 
implementation of  agricultural, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, 
environmental, tourism and technological programs and projects; 
(e) Advocate to the constituents of Eastern Visayas, their elected representatives 
in Congress, and the national government, policies that will foster the 
integrated and balanced development of Eastern Visayas; 
(f) Promote and facilitate investments in any field that would enhance the 
socioeconomic development of Eastern Visayas and uplift the living standards 
of the people in close coordination with agencies primarily mandated to 
undertake such functions; 
(g) Explore sources for financing priority programs, projects, and activities that 
are critical to the development of Eastern Visayas; 
(h) Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary planning, management, 
and technical assistance to prospective and existing investors, to complement 
the efforts of agencies primarily mandated to execute such functions; 
(i) Establish a comprehensive and integrated database on Eastern Visayas to 
support planning and decision making; 
(j) Perform prior screening functions, as a condition precedent to the approval 
by any national, provincial, or municipal government agency, of any permit, 
license, lease, franchise, or concession for the operation of any business or the 
exploitation, development, or utilization of natural resources within Eastern 
Visayas; 
(k) Negotiate and enter into management or consulting contracts with local or 
foreign management consulting firms for the planning and implementation of 
agricultural, tourism, and industrial development projects in Eastern Visayas; 
(l) Avail of the expertise of any particular employee, technician, or group of 
persons in any bureau, office, or department of the national government whose 
services are deemed urgently needed for the attainment of the goals of the 
Authority, with the consent and approval of the department head concerned; 


(m) Conduct scientific experiments, investigation, and research to discover 
economical and practical methods of increasing agricultural and industrial 
production and other related endeavors; 
(n) Encourage, and organize cooperative ventures in agriculture, agri-business, 
industry, tourism and commerce and assist them by arranging appropriate 
financing schemes, for their plans and projects; 
(o)  Monitor, evaluate, and formulate recommendations in the implementation 
of Eastern Visayas-wide development programs, activities and projects; 
(p)  Establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of 
Eastern Visayas-wide projects, whenever necessary, including public-private 
partnership; 
(q)  Review and recommend for approval by the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) Board programs, projects, and plans by the 
national government and donor agencies for implementation in Eastern 
Visayas,  subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
(r)   Recommend the creation and supervise the development  and operation of  
special economic zones according to the principles and provisions set forth in 
this Act and Republic Act No. 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, 
as amended; 
(s) Interface with foreign assistance agencies and international aid 
organizations, in coordination with the NEDA and other relevant national 
government agencies, for the purposes of obtaining financing support, grants 
and donations for its programs and projects; 
(t) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts, in 
cash or in kind, from foreign governments, international agencies, private 
entities and other sources, including ODA, to be used in the development of 
Eastern Visayas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
(u) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hold, lease, 
transfer, and dispose of property of any kind or nature to carry out the 
purposes of this Act; and 
(v)Discharge other functions that may be deemed necessary or as may be 
provided by law. 


In the discharge of its functions, the Authority shall ensure appropriate consultation 
and coordination with the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council and other 
local development councils as well as with national government agencies, local 
government units, accredited people’s organizations, non-government organizations 
and the private sector operating in Eastern Visayas. 
The Authority, through the EVDA Chairperson, shall submit to the President of the 
Philippines and both Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and 
activities. 
SEC. 8. Board of Directors. – The Authority’s overall directions and thrusts shall be 
provided and approved, unless provided otherwise in this Act, by a Board of 
Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board. It shall be composed of the following 
members: 
(a)   The Chairperson as head; 
(b)  The Chairperson of the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council as 
ex officio member; 
(c) A member of the Senate, upon designation by the Senate President, who 
shall be an ex officio member; 
(d) A member of the House of Representatives, chosen by the District 
Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Eastern Visayas, who 
shall be an ex officio member; 
(e) The Regional President of the League of Municipalities-Eastern Visayas 
Chapter; 
(f) Three (3) private sector representatives to be appointed by the President, 
upon the recommendation of the Board comprising of one (1) representative 
each from the: 
1.  Eastern Visayas business sector; 
2.  Eastern Visayas academic sector; and 
3. Eastern Visayas non-government sector. 
The term of office of the three (3) representatives from the private sector shall be six 
(6) years: Provided, That at the initial appointment of such members, the second 
member to be appointed shall only serve a term of four (4) years and the third member 
to be appointed shall only serve a term of two (2) years: Provided, further, That they 


shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed. All 
vacancies, prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term 
only. 
The members of the Board shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and 
necessary expenses incurred, either for their attendance in the meetings of the Board 
or in connection with other official business authorized by resolution of the Board, 
subject to existing laws and regulations. 
The term of the ex officio members including the Senator and the Member of the House 
of Representatives shall correspond to their term as elected officials. 
SEC. 9. Functions of the Board of Directors. – The Board of Directors shall have the 
following functions: 
(a)   Provide direction and guidance for the Authority’s work and thrusts for 
Eastern Visayas; 
(b)  Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with the 
overall national development goals and objectives; 
(c)   Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with regional and 
local development plans, programs and projects and vice versa; 
(d) 
 Explore sources for financing of priority Eastern Visayas-wide 
development; 
(e)   Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary in  for the 
accomplishment of the plans, programs, projects and activities of the 
Authority; 
(f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the 
constitution of a quorum and other rules and regulations in the conduct of 
Board meetings; and 
(g)  Perform such functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of 
this Act. 
SEC. 10. Executive Committee. – The Board shall constitute an Executive Committee 
from among its membership to act, for and on its behalf when the Board is not in 
session, on urgent matters as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson. 
The following shall comprise the Executive Committee: 


(a)   The EVDA Chairperson as head; 
(b)  The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson; 
(c)   The Private Sector Representative from the business sector; 
(d)  The Private Sector Representative from the academic sector; and 
(e)   The Private Sector Representative from the non-government sector. 
SEC. 11. Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. – The Chairperson shall be appointed 
by the President of the Philippines with the rank of Undersecretary and shall act as 
Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer 
shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of appointment unless removed for 
cause: Provided, That the person who shall be appointed as Chairperson must be a 
Filipino citizen, of good moral character, of proven probity and integrity and a holder 
of a degree in economics, business, public administration, law, management or related 
fields, and with at least five (5) years relevant experience preferably in the field of 
management or public administration:  Provided, further, That the appointee for 
Chairperson shall have been a resident of Eastern Visayas for at least (5) years before 
the appointment. 
The Chairperson shall have the following duties and functions: 
(a)   Call and preside over meetings of the Board and see to it that the policies, 
programs and rules and regulations are implemented properly; 
(b)  Call on technical experts in the formulation and implementation of a 
comprehensive and integrated development plan for Eastern Visayas, 
investment programs and the preparation of investment programming 
priorities, annual reports and other pertinent documents approved by the 
Authority; 
(c)   Identify solutions to key issues and concerns, taking into account related 
risks, relative impact, and affected parties in coordination with the Board and 
key stakeholders; 
(d)  Advocate the Authority’s work among the various concerned sectors and 
stakeholders; 
(e)   Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local 
government unit, and host community to address issues and concerns relating 
to implementation of major programs, projects and activities; 


(f) 
Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Eastern 
Visayas-wide programs, projects and activities; 
(g)  Endorse to the Board all policy recommendations, plans and programs for 
approval; 
(h)  Accept, on behalf of the Authority, donations, contributions, grants and 
bequests or gifts, in cash or in kind, from members, foreign governments, 
international agencies, private entities or any individual for purpose that will 
realize the functions of the Authority; 
(i) Supervise administrative operations including disbursement of any fund of 
the Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and 
submit reports thereon; 
(j) Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the Board; 
(k)  Appoint, remove, dismiss or otherwise discipline for cause, all employees 
of the Authority in accordance with the standard guidelines for recruitment, 
employment, and discipline in the Civil Service Code; 
(l) Represent the Authority in all dealings with other offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and entities, public 
or private; 
(m) Sign agreements and/or contracts on behalf of the Authority, including 
those for expert and consultancy services and other reports of accountabilities 
emanating from the Authority; 
(n)  Serve as ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the NEDA and the 
TIEZA; and 
(o)  Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the 
provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 12. Deputy Chairperson. – The Chairperson shall be assisted by one Deputy 
Chairperson, who shall be appointed with the rank of Assistant Secretary by the 
President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Chairperson. The 
Deputy Chairperson shall have the same qualifications as the Chairperson and shall 
perform such duties and functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson or as 
provided for by law. 
SEC. 13. Executive Director. – An Executive Director shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines upon recommendation by the Chairperson: Provided, That 


no person shall be appointed as Executive Director unless one is  a Filipino citizen, of 
good moral character, of proven probity and integrity and a holder of a degree in 
economics, business, public administration, law, management or other related fields, 
and have at least five (5) years relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further, That 
the appointee to the position of Executive Director shall have been a resident of 
Eastern Visayas for five (5) years prior to appointment, and has the requisite 
eligibilities for third level career service position, pursuant to the career executive rank 
system: Provided, finally, that the appointee shall reside in Eastern Visayas while 
serving in such office. 
The Executive Director shall assist the Chairperson in carrying out the functions of the 
Authority and shall, likewise, serve as the Secretary of the Board. 
SEC. 14. The Advisory Council. – There is hereby constituted an EVDA Advisory 
Committee to be composed of the following: 
(a)   The Chairperson as head; 
(b)  The Eastern Visayas RDC Chairperson; 
(c) The District Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Eastern 
Visayas; 
(d)  The Provincial Governors of the provinces comprising Eastern Visayas; 
(e)   The City Mayors of the independent cities in Eastern Visayas; 
(f) The Regional Directors of the national line agencies with regional offices in 
Eastern Visayas. 
The Advisory Council shall convene at least once every six (6) months, or as often as 
necessary, upon the call of the EDVA Chairperson, advise or be consulted by the 
Authority on important matters related to Eastern Visayas. 
SEC. 15. Organizational Structure. – The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation 
of the Chairperson shall determine the organizational structure, staffing pattern and 
compensation of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations and 
Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as “Salary Standardization Law of 2019”, 
and the Position Classification and Compensation System. The Chairperson may 
reorganize the Authority and may create or abolish divisions, units or branches 
therein as the exigencies of the affairs of the Authority may require. 
SEC. 16. Merit System. – All officials and employees of the Authority shall be selected 
and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with civil service law, 


rules and regulations. The recruitment, transfer, promotion, and dismissal of all its 
personnel including temporary workers shall be governed by a merit system that will 
be established by the Authority in compliance with existing laws, rules and 
regulations. 
SEC. 17. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act: Provided, That the 
operating expenses of the Authority should not exceed fourteen percent (14%) of the 
annual appropriation: Provided further, That at least eighty percent (80%) of said 
annual appropriation shall be disbursed for the programs, projects, and activities of 
the Authority. 
SEC. 18. Transfer of Post-Haiyan Rehabilitation Funds.- The authority, control, and 
administration of funds, equipment and properties donated by foreign governments, 
foreign and local non-profit agencies and foundations and private entities to the 
National Government for the purpose of the rehabilitation of areas in Eastern Visayas 
that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan, as well as all other funds received or 
appropriated by the National Government for the same purpose are hereby 
transferred to the Authority. Hereafter, the Authority shall exercise the sole power of 
control and disposition of the rehabilitation funds, in accordance with the provisions 
of this Act or until the purposes for which the said funds had been donated are 
accomplished. 
SEC. 19. Formulation of the Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan.- Upon its 
organization, the Authority shall formulate and submit its development master plan 
to NEDA for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and 
public investment program.   The Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan shall 
serve as the framework for the accelerated and balanced development of Eastern 
Visayas in accordance with the aims and purposes of this Act. 
SEC. 20. Administrative Supervision.- The Authority shall be under the direct 
supervision of the President of the Philippines. 
SEC. 21. Interpretation.- The powers, authorities and functions that are vested in the 
Authority are intended to decentralize governmental functions and authority and 
promote an efficient and effective working relationship between the EVDA, the 
national government, and the local government units. 
SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Authority shall adopt rules and 
regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the 
date of its approval. 


SEC. 23. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected 
shall continue to remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 25. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,