Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1546 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Eastern Visayas, also known amongst Filipinos as Region VIII, is composed of three main 
islands: Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. These islands home some of the country’s cultural and 
historical sites, diverse ecosystem, and beguiling tourist destinations such as the longest bridge 
in the Philippines known as the San Juanico Bridge, the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park, and 
the Sohoton Caves. Furthermore, Eastern Visayas is likewise recognized for its rich agricultural 
production as one of the heavy producers of abaca and coconut in the country, as well as 
significant geothermal power reserves wherein the region was dubbed as the “geothermal capital 
of the Philippines”, and mineral deposits such as chromite, gold, silver, amongst others. These 
minerals are necessities for everyday use that make our lives easier and progressive.  
However, in 2013, Philippines was struck with the one of the strongest and catastrophic 
storms known as Super Typhoon Yolanda, or also known worldwide as Typhoon Haiyan, that left 
an impactful effect, especially in Visayas wherein in this region alone, there were an estimate of 
63,000 deaths making it one of the deadliest typhoons in the Philippines. In spite of the 
government’s efforts to recover from the effects of the storm, minimal improvements have only 
been noted. The establishment of a long-term recovery became a challenge. Thus, the 
government recognized the need to establish an agency that would aid the region to rise from 
this. It may have been more than 10 years but the government still emphasizes the need for it as 
this region will boost the economy of the country and reduce the inflation rate for a better standard 
of living amongst Filipinos.  
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that Eastern Visayas has generated an 
economic growth of 6.2% in 2024 due to its major industries: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, 
Industry and Services; In terms of the exact figures for the region’s Gross Regional Domestic 
Product (GRDP), the increase in economic growth from 2023 to 2024 is from P523.22 Billion to 
P555.62 Billion, making it the 5th fastest growing economy nationwide.  
July 8, 2025
10:01 am


It is evident that there is a need to establish the Eastern Visayas Development Authority 
(EVDA) to assist the region with its progress. EVDA shall be the lead agency in implementing its 
programs and mandate, venture into contracts or investments for the continuous progress of the 
region’s main industries, and formulate an integrated development and long-term economic 
development framework. 
This is a re-filed bill from the 19th Congress, and was approved on Third and Final Reading 
and was transmitted to the Senate. Thus, in light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this 
bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1546 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
 HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Eastern Visayas Development 
Authority (EVDA) Act". 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 3. Creation. - The Eastern Visayas Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as 
the Authority, is hereby created, which shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and 
extensive participation of all sectors in the socioeconomic development of Eastern Visayas. 
SECTION 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. 


 
 
SECTION 5. Main Office. - The Authority shall have its main office in Tacloban City. It may also 
establish satellite offices in Metro Manila and in the other provinces within Eastern Visayas, if 
necessary, to achieve the objectives of this Act. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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 provide 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 in Eastern Visayas 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 
purpose 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. 
 
w) 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. 
 
x) 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. 
SECTION 8. Board of Directors. - The overall directions and thrusts of the Authority 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 who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines; 
 
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. 
SECTION 9. Functions of the Board of Directors. - The Board of Directors shall have the 
following functions: 
a) Provide direction and guidance for the work and thrusts of the Authority 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 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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 to assist 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 goals, objectives, and programs of the Authority 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 the 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 its 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 before other offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the 
government and with all persons and entities, public or private; 
 
m) Sign agreements and for contracts on behalf of the Authority, including those for services 
of experts and consultants, and other reports of accountabilities of 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. 
SECTION 12. Deputy Chairperson. - The Chairperson shall be assisted by one (1) Deputy 
Chairperson, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the 
recommendation of the Chairperson, with the rank of Assistant Secretary. 
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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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 EVDA Chairperson, for advice or consultation by the Authority on important 
matters related to Eastern Visayas. 
SECTION 15. Organizational Structure. - The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of 
the Chairperson shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Authority, 
in accordance with the existing compensation and position classification system and civil service 
laws, rules and regulations. The Chairperson may reorganize the Authority and may create or 
abolish divisions, units, or branches therein as the exigency of the affairs of the Authority may 
require. 
SECTION 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. 


 
 
SECTION 17. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 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. Thereafter, 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. 
SECTION 19. Formulation of the Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan. - Upon its 
organization, the Authority shall formulate and submit its development master plan to the 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. 
SECTION 20. Administrative Supervision. - The Authority shall be under the direct supervision 
of the President of the Philippines. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Authority shall promulgate the rules 
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the date of its 
approval. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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,