EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2031
EC IVtO
FILED
INDEX
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
CREATING THE EASTERN VISAYAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EVDA) 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Our Constitution provides that "all sectors of the economy and all regions of 
the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop." It is incumbent upon the 
State to ensure that the regions, especially the rural areas, shall be adequately 
supported and empowered to realize economic prosperity which brings benefits down 
to the grassroots level.
Eastern Visayas or Region VIII is composed of three main islands - Samar, 
Leyte and Biliran. Despite having the two largest islands in the country which are 
blessed with abundant natural and human resources, the region remains one of the 
poorest. While poverty incidence among the population in the region reduced over the 
years, 31 out of 100 individuals still belong to the poor. Data from Philippine Statistics 
Authority show that in 2018, poverty incidence among population in Eastern Samar 
was estimated at 49.5%; Northern Samar at 34.0%; Samar at 29.0%; Leyte at 28.6%; 
Southern Leyte at 23.6%; and Biliran at 19.7%1. It is also worth noting that their 
geographic location makes the region vulnerable to typhoons which add to the dire 
condition of the residents, as experienced during the onslaught of super typhoon 
Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons recorded in modern history.
1 "Poverty situation in Eastern Visayas (Fuil Year 2018)." httD://rsso08.D5a.gov.Dh/article/povertv-situation- 
eastern-visavas-fuii-vear-2018#sthash.JlmUh2vL.QK0wLHKv.dpbs


This bill seeks to establish the Eastern Visayas Development Authority to plan, 
accelerate and facilitate the growth of the region. The body shall have the following 
purposes:
1) Promote the development of Eastern Visayas by initiating or undertaking 
development and business projects; ■
2) 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-Yolanda rehabilitation plan and other development plans;
3) Facilitate investments in any fieid as wouid enhance the economic development 
of the region; and
4) Provide a model for the full implementation of a comprehensive regional 
industrialization and agricultural modernization policy.
It is hoped that with the creation of this special body, whose singular focus will be 
the achievement of social and economic progress of the region, we can iift more 
Filipino families out of poverty and further improve their standard of living.
In this light, the consideration of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMO^ONG REVILLA, JR.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2031
R
r~
xIj
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
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 Representative of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Eastern Visayas
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Development Authority (EVDA) Act."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
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promote and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic and social
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growth of Eastern Visayas and ensure its speedy rehabilitation in the aftermath of
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typhoons Haiyan by increasing trade, tourism and investments, encouraging private
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enterprise, and advancing efforts towards progress and development within the
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context of national plans and policies in order to provide jobs to the people, especially
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those in rural areas, increase their productivity and their individual and family incomes,
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and thereby improve the quaiity of their living conditions.
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Towards this end, an effective institutional mechanism shall be established in
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order to address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the
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formulation and impiementation of plans, programs, and projects geared towards
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economic growth and development in the Eastern Visayas region, including the
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estabiishment, among others, of special economic zones.


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Sec. 3. Creation. - The Eastern Visayas Development Authority, hereinafter
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referred to as the Authority, is hereby created, which shall promote, coordinate and
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facilitate the active and extensive participation of aii sectors in the socioeconomic
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development of Eastern Visayas.
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Sec. 4. Coverage. -- The Authority shall cover all the provinces of Northern
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Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte the
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independent city of Ormoc and the highly urbanized City of Tacloban.
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Sec. 5. Main Office. — The Authority shall have its main office in Tacloban City.
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It may establish other satellite office in Metro Manila and in other provinces within
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Eastern Visayas, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of this Act. The Authority shall
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have a term of fifty (50) years from the effectivity of its Act, renewable for the same
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period unless otherwise provided by law.
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Sec. 6. Purpose. - The Authority shall have the following purposes and
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objectives:
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a) To promote the development of Eastern Visayas by initiating or undertaking,
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by itself or otherwise, development and business projects of corporate,
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economic nature whether in agricuiture, power, infrastructure, energy,
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public utilities, land development, manufacturing, exploration or utilization
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of naturai resources and other fields or projects;
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b) To integrate government and private sector efforts and resources in the
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pursuit of sustainable development and balanced growth of Eastern Visayas,
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as proposed in the post-Haiyan rehabilitation plan and other relevant
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development plans, programs and projects;
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c) To facilitate investments in any field as would enhance the economic
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development of the region; and
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d) To provide a model for the full implementation of a comprehensive regionai
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industrialization and agriculturai modernization policy.
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Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the Authority. - The Authority shall have the
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following powers and functions:
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a) Formuiate an integrated development framework for Eastern Visayas that
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is, as far as practicable, consistent with the peace and deveiopment
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initiatives of the national government;


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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 or 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;
0 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, franchise, or concession for the operation of any business or the 
exploitation, development or utilization of natural resources within Eastern 
Visayas;


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k) Negotiate and enter into management or consulting contracts with local or
foreign management consulting firms for the management of the Authority 
or the planning and implementation of agricultural, tourism, and industrial 
development projects in Eastern Visayas; 
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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 specific 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 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;


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t) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts,
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in cash or in kind, from foreign governments, international agencies, private
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entities and other sources, including ODA, to be used in the development
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of Eastern Visayas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;
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u) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hold, lease,
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transfer, and dispose of property of any kind or nature to carry out the
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purposes of this Act; and
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v) Discharge other functions that may be deemed necessary or as may be
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provided by law.
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In the discharge of its functions, the Authority shall ensure appropriate
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consultation and coordination with the Regional Development Council Eastern Visayas
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(RDC-EV) and other local development councils as well as with national government
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agencies, local government units, accredited people's organizations, non-government
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organizations and the private sector operating in Eastern Visayas.
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The Authority, through the EVDA Chairperson, shall submit to the President of
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the Philippines and both Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments
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and activities.
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Sec. 8. Board of Directors. - The Authority's overall direction and thrusts shall
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be provided and approved, unless provided otherwise in this Act, by the EVDA Board
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of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board. It shall be composed of the following
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members:
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a) The EVDA Chairperson as head;
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b) The Chairperson of the Regional Development Council of Eastern Visayas
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(RDC-EV) as ex officio member,
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c) A member of the Senate, upon designation by the Senate President, who
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shall be an eYo/97cyb member;
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d) A member of the House of Representatives, chosen by the District
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Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Eastern Visayas, who
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shall be an evo/97cyb member;
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e) The Regional President of the League of Municipalities-Eastern Visayas
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Chapter;


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f) Three (3) private sector representatives to be appointed by the President,
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upon the recommendation of the Board comprising of one (1) representative
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each from the:
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1) Eastern Visayas business sector;
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2) Eastern Visayas academic sector; and
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3) Eastern Visayas non-government sector.
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The term of office of the three (3) representatives from the private sector shall
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be six (6) years: Provided, That at the initial appointment of such members, the
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second member to be appointed shall only serve a term of four (4) years and the third
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member to be appointed shall only serve a term of two (2) years: Provided, further,
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That they shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed.
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All vacancies, prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term
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only.
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The members of the Board shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual and
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necessary expenses incurred, either for their attendance in the meetings of the Board
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or in connection with other official business authorized by resolution of the Board,
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subject to existing laws and regulations.
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The term of the ex officio members including the Senator and the Member of
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the House of Representatives shall correspond to their term as elected officials.
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Sec. 9. Functions of the Board of Directors. - The Board shall have the following
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functions:
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a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work and thrusts for
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Eastern Visayas;
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b) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with the
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overall national development goals and objectives;
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c) Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with regional and
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local development plans, programs and projects and vice versa;
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d) Explore sources for financing of priority Eastern Visayas-wide development;
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e) Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary for the
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accomplishment of the plans, programs, projects and activities of the
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Authority;


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f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the
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constitution of a quorum and other rules and regulations in the conduct of
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Board meetings; and
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g) Perform such functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of
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this Act.
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Sec. 10. Executive Committee. - The Board shall constitute an Executive
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Committee from among its membership to act, for and on its behalf when the Board
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Is not In session, on urgent matters as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson.
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The following shall comprise the Executive Committee:
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a) The EVDA Chairperson as head;
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b) The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson;
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c) The Private Sector Representative from the business sector;
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d) The Private Sector Representative from the academic sector; and
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e) The Private Sector Representative from the non-government sector.
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Sec. 11. Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer. - The EVDA Chairperson shall
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be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the rank of Undersecretary and
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shall act as Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. The Chairperson and Chief
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Executive Officer shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of appointment
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unless removed for caus&. Provided, That the person who shall be appointed as
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Chairperson must be a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, of proven probity and
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integrity and a holder of a degree in economics, business, public administration, law,
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management or related fields, and with at least five (5) years relevant experience
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preferably in the field of management or public administration: Provided, further. That
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the appointee for Chairperson shall have been a resident of Eastern Visayas for at
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least five (5) years before the appointment.
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The Chairperson shall have the following duties and functions:
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a) Call and preside over meetings of the Board and see to it that the policies,
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programs and rules and regulations are implemented properly;
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b) Call on technical experts in the formulation and implementation of a
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comprehensive and integrated development plan for Eastern Visayas,
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investment programs and the preparation of investment programming


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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 othen/vise 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;


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n) Serve as ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the NEDA and the
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TIEZA; and
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o) Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the
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provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 12. Deputy Chairperson. - The EVDA Chairperson shaii be assisted by one
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Deputy Chairperson, who shaii be appointed by the President of the Philippines with
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the rank of Assistant Secretary upon the recommendation of the EVDA Chairperson.
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The Deputy Chairperson shall have the same qualifications as the Chairperson and
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shall perform such duties and functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson or as
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provided for by law.
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Sec. 13. Executive Director. - An Executive Director shall be appointed by the
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President of the Philippines upon the recommendation by the Chairperson: Provided,
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That no person shall be appointed as Executive Director unless one is a Filipino citizen,
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of good moral character, of proven probity and integrity and a holder of a degree in
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economics, business, public administration, law, management or other related fields,
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and have at least five (5) years relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further,
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That the appointee to the position of Executive Director shall have been a resident of
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Eastern Visayas for five (5) years prior to appointment and has the requisite eligibilities
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for third level career service position, pursuant to the career executive rank system:
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Provided, fmaiiy, that the appointee shall reside in Eastern Visayas while serving in
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such office.
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The Executive Director shall assist the Chairperson in carrying out the functions
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of the Authority and shall, likewise, serve as the Secretary of the Board.
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Sec. 14. EVDA Advisory Councii. - There is hereby constituted an EVDA
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Advisory Committee to be composed of the following:
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a) EVDA Chairperson as head;
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b) The Eastern Visayas RDC Chairperson;
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c) The District Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Eastern
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Visayas;
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d) The Provincial Governors of the provinces comprising Eastern Visayas;
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e) The City Mayors of the independent cities in Eastern Visayas;


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f) The Regional Directors of the national line agencies with regional offices in
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Eastern Visayas;
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The EVDA Advisory Council shall convene at least once every six (6) months, 
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by the Authority on important matters related to Eastern Visayas.
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Sec. 15. Organizational Structure. - The Board of Directors, upon the
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recommendation of the Chairperson shall determine the organizational structure,
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staffing pattern and compensation of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules 
. 9 and regulations and Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as "Salary
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Standardization Law of 2019," and the Position Classification and Compensation
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System. The Chairperson may reorganize the Authority and may create or abolish
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divisions, units or branches therein as the exigencies of the affairs of the Authority
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may require.
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Sec. 16. Merit System. - All officials and employees of the EVDA shall be
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selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with civil service
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law, rules and regulations. The recruitment, transfer, promotion, and dismissal of all
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its personnel including temporary workers shall be governed by a merit system that
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will be established by the EVDA in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
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Sec. 17. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
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Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act: Provided, That the
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operating expenses of the Authority should not exceed fourteen percent (14%) of the
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annual appropriation: Provided further, That at least eighty-six percent (86%) of said
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annual appropriation shall be disbursed for the programs, projects, and activities of
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the Authority.
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Sec. 18. Transfer of Post-Haiyan Rehabilitation Funds. - The authority, control
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and administration of funds, equipment and properties donated by foreign
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governments, foreign and local non-profit agencies and foundations and private
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entities to the National Government for the purpose of the rehabilitation of areas in
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Eastern Visayas that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan, as well as all other funds
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received or appropriated by the National Government for the same purpose are hereby
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transferred to the Authority. Hereafter, the Authority shall exercise the sole power of
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disposition and control of the rehabilitation funds, in accordance with the provisions
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of this Act or until the purposes for which the said funds had been donated are
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accomplished.
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Sec. 19. Formulation of the Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan. - Upon
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its organization, the Authority shall formulate and submit Its development master plan
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to NEDA for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and public
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investment program. The Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan shall serve as the
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framework for the accelerated and balanced development of Eastern Visayas in
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accordance with the aims and purposes of this Act.
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Sec. 20. Administrative Supervision. - The Authority shall be under the direct
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supervision of the President of the Philippines.
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Sec. 21. Interpretation. - The powers, authorities, and functions that are vested
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in the Authority are intended to decentralize government functions and authority and
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promote an efficient and effective working relationship between the EVDA, the
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national government, and the local government units.
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Sec. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The EVDA shall adopt rules
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and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the
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date its approval.
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Sec. 23 Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
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affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
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Sec. 24. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended
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accordingly.
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Sec. 25. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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