Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2679

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Witfride Mark M. Enverga

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our Constitution provides that the State shall promote industrialization
and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian
reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and
natural resources, and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign
markets. In the pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions
of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private
enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective

organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.

This bill provides for the creation of Northern Quezon Development
Authority (NQDA) which will pave the way for the gradual development of the
long neglected eastern coastal towns of the first congressional district of
Quezon. The bill likewise intends to create an institutional machinery to ensure
an effective ecologic and economic management of the northern part of the
Province of Quezon specifically the municipalities surrounding the upper

portion (northern) of Lamon Bay areas,


Northern Lamon Bay is a vast body of water consisting Lamon Bay and
Part of the Pacific Ocean encompassing the five (5) island-municipalities in the
first district of Quezon (northern Quezon), it is a rich fishing ground that
supply substantially marine and fish requirements of Southern Tagalog Region
and Metro Manila. Apart from having a rich marine life and other aquatic
resources, four coastal towns of General Nakar, Infanta, Real and Mauban,
Quezon, cover large area of forest lands rich in wild flora and fauna, animals,
forest and fruit trees and a watershed area supply supporting existing and
Proposed hydroelectric power plants, domestic water supply and irrigation
works.

The Northern Quezon is also in a strategic location ideal for harbor and
Port development in the pacific side of the country. This key geographic
location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and
Center of trade in the northern Pacific Rim. Furthermore, thru Infanta-Marikina
Road, imported and local products can easily reach Metro Manila hence it will
Play a significant role in trade and economic activities of the country.

Yet despite its strategic location to facilitate economic development, its
Potential is however, not actualized. There is a lack of industrial progress in the
aforementioned coastal towns and island-municipalities, There is no known
development plan for the whole of the northern part of Quezon, Development
Plans are still in the municipal level. Integrated and sustainable plan needs to
be drawn and implemented in the area if real development is to be achieved,

The Northern Quezon Development Authority (NQDA) will promote
the socio-economic development of Quezon first district through a holistic and
integrative coordination of all active sectors in the area. This agency will
oversee the general development of the area and will create a framework that

will facilitate economic progress and ecological preservation,


To bring forth serious and comprehensive long-term program for
socio- economic development, commensurate to the demands of time, the

passage of this measure is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2679

Introduced by Rep. Wilfride Mark M. Enverga

AN ACT CREATING NORTHERN QUEZON DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEZON AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. - Title - This Act shall be known as the
“Northern Quezon Development Authority Act of 2019”.

SEC. 2 . - Creation of Northern Quezon Development
Authority. -The Northern Quezon Development Authority (NQDA),
hereinafter referred to as the Authority, is hereby created which shall
promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and extensive
participation of all sectors to effect the socio-economic development
of the northern area in the first congressional district of Quezon

province.

SEC.3. - Coverage. -The Authority shall cover all the
municipalities of Mauban, Infanta, Real, General Nakar, Polillo,

Burdeos, Panukulan, Patnanungan and Jomalig, Quezon,


SEC. 4. - Principal Office and Term. -The Authority shall
have its main office at Real, Quezon. It may establish Area
Management Offices (AMOS) as it may deem necessary to achieve the
objectives of this Act. The Authority shall have a term of fifty (50)
years from the effectivity of this Act and renewable for the same

period unless otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of Authority. The
Authority shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate an integrated development framework for
the area;

(b) Integrate, prioritize and program area-wide specific
programs, activities and projects with province-wide impact;

(c) Promote and facilitate investments in any field which
would enhance the socio-economic development of the area and uplift
the living standards of the people and their socio-political activities in
close coordination with agencies primarily mandated to undertake
such function;

(d) Explore sources for financing priority programs,
projects and activities;

(e) Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary
planning management and technical assistance to prospective and
existing investors, complementary and in support of agencies
primarily mandated to execute such functions;

(f) Establish comprehensive and integrated databases on
necessary for planning and decision-making;

(g) Monitor, evaluate and formulate recommendations on
the implementation of area wide and/or specific inter-agency
development programs, activities and projects;

(h) Actas the implementing agency, whenever necessary,
for the accomplishment of province and region-wide programs and
projects, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects,


subject to such limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules, and
regulations;

(i) Receive and administer donations, contributions,
grants, bequest or gifts in cash or in kind from foreign governments,
international agencies, private entities, and other sources, including
Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies, for purposes that
would contribute to the development of Northern Quezon , subject to
existing laws, rules and regulations;

G) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire,
Purchase, hold, lease, transfer, and dispose of property of any kind or
nature necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act;

(K) Discharge other functions which may be deemed
necessary or as may be provided by law.

() Submit to the President and both Houses of Congress
annual reports on its accomplishments and activities,

(m) Receive and administer donations, contributions,
Brants, bequest or gifts in cash or in kind from foreign governments,
international agencies, private entities, and other sources, including
Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies, for Purposes that
would contribute to the development of the area, subject to existing
laws, rules and regulations;

(n) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire,
Purchase, hold, lease, transfer, and dispose of property of any kind or
nature necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act;

(0) Discharge other functions which may be deemed
necessary or as may be provided by law.

SEC. 6 . Board of Directors - The affairs and business of the
Authority shall be directed and its properties managed and preserved
by a Board of Directors to be composed of the Regional Director of the
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) as the ex-officio
Chairman, and the following as Members,


1) The Administrator of the Authority;

2) Regional Director of the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) - ex-officio Member;

3) Regional Director of the Department of the Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) - ex-officio Member;

4) Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT) -
ex-officio Member;

5) Regional Director of Department of Agriculture (DA) -

ex-officio Member;

Regional Director of Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR) - ex-officio Member;

Administrator of National Electrification Administration

(NEA) ~ ex-officio Member;

General Manager of Philippine Port Authority- ex-officio

Member;

Representative, First District of Quezon - ex-officio

Member;

10) Provincial Governor, Quezon Province - ex-officio

6)

7,

8)

‘|

Member;

11) Municipal Mayors of Municipalities of Mauban, Infanta,
Real, General Nakar, Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan,
Patnanungan, and Jomalig, Quezon; - ex-officio

Members;

12) Three (3) other members representing the private
Sector to be appointed by the President, who shalll serve
for a term of five (5) years unless sooner removed for
cause: Provided, That the person appointed shall be of
800d moral character, of unquestionable integrity, of
known probity and patriotism, and with experience
and expertise in management, business, finance and the
Professions, and preferably coming from the First
District of Quezon.


13) Three (3) Representatives from Non Government
Organizations (NGOs) in the area with proven track
record in advocacy and program management in
agriculture, fisheries, environmental protection, marine

resources, rural development and trade and industries.

The ex-officio members of the Board may designate their
representatives to the Authority. The decisions of the Board shall be
made by a vote of the majority of all its members. The Chairman of the
Board shalll preside over meetings of the Board of Directors.

SEC. 7. Board Meetings. - The Board of Directors shall
meet preferably at its principal office, at least once a month, and as
frequently as necessary to discharge its duties and responsibilities,
The Board shall be convened by the Chairman or upon written request
singed by majority of the members,

SEC. 8 Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board of
Directors of the Authority shall have the following powers and
functions and duties.

(1) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work
and thrusts;

(2) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are
consistent with the overall national development goals
and objectives;

(3) Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent
with regional and local development plans, program and

Projects, and vice versa for purposes of harmonization;


(4) Explore sources for financing of priority plans, programs,
projects and activities;

(5) Create committees/task forces as may be deemed
necessary in the accomplishments of its duties and
functions;

(6) Determine schedules; establish voting procedures, criteria
for the constitution of a quorum, and other des and
regulations in the conduct of Board meetings;

(7) To prepare and approve a ten (10) year and a five (5) year

Development plan, and review and expedite the execution
of these plans when necessary;

(8) To appoint and discipline any employee, after according
them due process in accordance with existing laws,
together with the rules and regulations of the Civil Service
Commission;

(9) To elect from among the members of the Board of
Directors the following Executive officers:

1) President/Chairman of the Board,

2) Vice- Pres/Vice- Chairman of the Board ,

3) Secretary.

Provided That, the Board shall likewise have the
corresponding power to replace any the board or
for acts prejudicial to the objectives of the Authority;

(10) To screen and approve the appointment of the following:
General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and other
key officials of the Authority;


(11) To request a periodic or special audit of all its funds and
Properties from the Commission on Audits when the
need arises;

(12) To adopt a seal and flag which is judicial noticed,
determine the exact location of its office preferably near
its area of operation and adopt its own rules and
procedure in meetings and general assemblies in
accordance with the standards of transparency and
democratic parliamentary procedures;

(13) To recommend to Congress, the NEDA and other
government agencies the passage of laws and other

rules and regulation in order to carry out the objectives
of the Authority;

(14) To exercise such powers and perform such functions
which are proper and necessary to implement the

objectives of the Authority and to carry out provisions of
this act.

SEC. 9. Terms of Office of the General Manager. - The
General Manager of the Authority shall serve for a fixed term of four
(4) years, unless removed from office by a vote of two-thirds of the
Board of Directors.

SEC. 10. Residence and Prohibition. - The General
Manager shall, if practicable, establish his residence within the first
congressional district of Quezon. He/She shall not, during his/her
tenure of office, engage in any business, profession, or calling other
than those connected with the performance of his/her official duties
as the General Manager of the Authority.


SEC.11. Power and Duties of the General Manager. - The
General Manager shall have the following powers and functions:

@. Submit, for the consideration of the Board, the policies
and measures which he believes to be necessary to carry
Out the purposes and provisions of this Act,
b. Execute and administer the policies, plans, programs
and projects approved by the Board,
© Direct and supervise the operations and internal
administration of the Authority. The General Manager
may delegate some of his administration responsibilities
‘0 other officers of the Authority subject to the rules and
regulations of the Board,
d. Prepare the annual budget of the Authority for
consideration of the Board,
© Submit, within thirty (30) days after the close of each
fiscal year an annual report to the Board and such other
reports as may be required, and
Exercise such other powers as may be vested in him by
the Board.

SEC. 12. Appropriations - The amount necessary to carry
Out the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriation Act of the year following its enactment into law and
thereafter.

SEC. 13. 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. 14. Separability Clause. -If any part or provision of this
Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions
thereof, which are not affected, shall continue to remain in full force

and effect.
SEC. 15. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days following completion of its publication in at least two (2)

newspapers of general circulation.

APPROVED.