Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Bill Drafting Service 
Eighteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
Introduced by Representative Hector S. Sanchez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to create the Catanduanes Urban Development Authority. 
The Province of Catanduanes is an island province in the Bicol region 
and lies to the east of Camarines Sur.  It is the twelfth largest island in the 
country.  It boasts of many nicknames like “The Happy Island,” “Land of the 
Howling Winds,” “Isle of the Eastern Seas,” but it is best known as the “Abaca 
Capital of the Philippines,” being the number one exporter of high-grade abaca 
product in the world.  It comprises eleven (11) municipalities, namely, 
Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San 
Andres, San Miguel, Viga, and its capital, Virac.  
The Province of Catanduanes, though within the typhoon belt, is blessed 
with significant land forms and rich forests.  The forest areas which have been 
declared as the Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve cover the municipalities 
of Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, San Miguel, San Andres, Virac, and Viga.  
The forest reserve, along with tourism development and infrastructure 
preservation, has opened the gate of opportunities to accelerate the economic 
growth of the province.  
The creation of an urban development authority will coordinate, plan, 
manage, and implement development programs and resource utilizations in the 
Province of Catanduanes.  An urban development plan will also be established 
April 12, 2021
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to promote the socio-economic development of the province.  A development 
framework will be formulated and implemented to enhance the capabilities of 
the people and they will be given equitable access to local resources, basic 
social services, and economic opportunities, while ensuring the protection and 
preservation of the province. 
This proposed measure guarantees the economic progress of the province, 
reduces government expenditures and ensures asset preservation.  Further, it 
will keep the people from migrating to urban areas and help the Province of 
Catanduanes reach its ultimate goal for a safe, progressive, prosperous, and 
sustainable province.  
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly recommended. 
HECTOR S. SANCHEZ 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Bill Drafting Service 
Eighteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
Introduced by Representative Hector S. Sanchez 
AN ACT 
1 
CREATING 
THE 
CATANDUANES 
URBAN 
DEVELOPMENT 
2 
AUTHORITY, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND 
3 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR  
4 
5 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
6 
Congress assembled: 
7 
8 
SECTION. 1. 
Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the 
9 
“Catanduanes Urban Development Authority Act.” 
10 
SEC.  2.  Declaration of Policy.  – It is the policy of the State to protect 
11 
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in 
12 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.  Towards this end, the State 
13 
shall formulate and implement a framework to enhance the capabilities of the 
14 
people where they are given equitable access to local resources, basic social 
15 
services and economic opportunities while ensuring the protection and 
16 
preservation of the Province of Catanduanes. The State shall likewise establish a 
17 
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comprehensive urban and master development plan to promote the socio-
1 
economic development of the province.   
2 
SEC.  3.  Catanduanes Urban Development Authority.  – There shall be 
3 
created under the Office of the President, an independent regulatory body to be 
4 
known as the Catanduanes Urban Development Authority, hereinafter referred 
5 
to as the Authority. The Authority shall be organized within one hundred twenty 
6 
(120) days after the approval of this Act.  It shall be the primary government 
7 
agency that shall coordinate, plan, manage and implement the development 
8 
programs and resource utilization in the Province of Catanduanes.  It shall be 
9 
responsible in close cooperation with the local government units (LGUs) and 
10 
line agencies for the overall policy direction and coordination of the efforts of 
11 
the authority, execute the powers and functions vested and conferred by this 
12 
Act. It shall have its principal office in the Municipality of Virac, Catanduanes 
13 
and, if necessary, may establish area management offices (AMOs) to achieve 
14 
the objectives of this Act. 
15 
SEC.  4.  Coverage.  – The Authority covers all the municipalities in the 
16 
Province of Catanduanes, namely: Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, 
17 
Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga, and Virac.  
18 
SEC.  5. General Policies.  – In the exercise of its powers and duties, the 
19 
Authority is guided by the following policies:  
20 


3 
 
a) Sustainable development and preservation of the Province of 
1 
Catanduanes is given due importance to protect and develop the 
2 
ecological balance within the area;  
3 
b) Preparation, development and implementation of the Catanduanes 
4 
Comprehensive Urban and Master Development Plan based on the 
5 
framework of sustainable management of watersheds, protected 
6 
areas, fish sanctuaries and rainforest shall be prioritized in 
7 
consultation and coordination with the LGUs, Department of 
8 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the 
9 
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works 
10 
and Highways (DPWH), National Economic Development Authority 
11 
(NEDA) and other appropriate  government agencies and 
12 
stakeholders;  
13 
c) Implementation of short and medium-term programs, activities and 
14 
projects consistent with the Catanduanes Comprehensive Urban and 
15 
Master Development Plan to attain the objectives of this Act;  
16 
d) Implementation of environmental laws and regulations, including 
17 
Republic Act (RA) No. 11038, otherwise known as the “Expanded 
18 
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018” and RA 
19 
8435, otherwise known as the “Agriculture and Fisheries 
20 
Modernization Act of 1997,” to regulate commercial, industrial and 
21 
similar activities within the Province of Catanduanes;  
22 


4 
 
e) Active participation of the LGUs, specifically the barangays is 
1 
encouraged in the implementation and enforcement of existing 
2 
environmental laws;  
3 
f) Participation of the private sector and civil society organizations to 
4 
transform the Province of Catanduanes into a conducive environment 
5 
for recreation, business and other productive uses through private 
6 
sector-driven and cleaner technology-based investments in ecosystem 
7 
development;  
8 
g) Planning, programming, social preparation and adjustment, relocation 
9 
or resettlement of the population within the protected areas of the 
10 
Province 
of 
Catanduanes 
in 
coordination with 
appropriate 
11 
government agencies and LGUs to ensure that relocation and 
12 
resettlement areas have permanent access to adequate basic social 
13 
services and livelihood opportunities;  
14 
h) Management and implementation of information and education 
15 
campaign to amplify stakeholder awareness and voluntary 
16 
participation on the importance of protection and conservation of the 
17 
Province of Catanduanes in close coordination with LGUs and other 
18 
government agencies; and  
19 
i) Formulation and implementation of programs, policies and 
20 
procedures to achieve public safety, especially preparedness for 
21 
preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and 
22 


5 
 
disasters such as earthquakes, floods and mudslides, as well as 
1 
coordination and mobilization of resources and the implementation of 
2 
contingency plans for the rehabilitation and relief operations in 
3 
coordination with the appropriate national agencies.  
4 
SEC.  6. Powers and Functions. – The Authority shall exercise the 
5 
following powers and functions:  
6 
a) Formulate and implement the Catanduanes Comprehensive Urban and  
7 
Master Development Plan with the help of the NEDA and other 
8 
agencies or entities;  
9 
b) Review all plans, projects and programs in the Province of 
10 
Catanduanes and the expansions thereto including those submitted by 
11 
LGUs, public corporations, public utility franchisees, concessionaires, 
12 
private persons or corporations that relate to the development of the 
13 
Province of Catanduanes to ensure that they conform to environmental 
14 
standards prescribed by the Authority and other environmental laws;  
15 
c) Through coordination with the DPWH and other appropriate 
16 
government agencies, implement infrastructure projects for water 
17 
supply, among others, post-harvest irrigation, food processing, flood 
18 
control, solid waste management, wastewater and sewerage works, 
19 
water supply facilities, access roads;  
20 
d) Access ports, housing, leisure parks and related works within the 
21 
context of its master plan including the readjustment, relocation or 
22 


6 
 
resettlement of population within the Province of Catanduanes that 
1 
may be deemed necessary and beneficial in pursuit of its mandate. In 
2 
case any of these projects is financed wholly or in part by the 
3 
Authority, it shall collect fees and tolls from users or beneficiaries to 
4 
recover costs of construction and maintenance of the projects;  
5 
e) Periodically conduct comprehensive scientific surveys, studies, field 
6 
sampling and laboratory testing, and Geographic Information System 
7 
(GIS)- mapping of the Province of Catanduanes, in coordination with 
8 
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DENR-
9 
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and National Mapping 
10 
and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to monitor, evaluate, 
11 
update and analyze among others, the physical, biological, chemical, 
12 
geological characteristics including the socio-economic profile of 
13 
stakeholders, trade, industrial and commercial profile of business 
14 
entities, status of the national government agency and LGU programs 
15 
and projects, biometric tagging and identification of settlers, parcellary 
16 
land use and zoning aspects, mapping of critical effluent discharge 
17 
areas, transportation and navigation attributes, and historical and 
18 
tourism elements;  
19 
f) Engage the services of the private sector through the Public-Private 
20 
Partnership (PPP) process or through the build operate and transfer 
21 
(BOT) scheme under RA 6957, entitled “An Act Authorizing the 
22 


7 
 
Financing, 
Construction, 
Operation 
and 
Maintenance 
of 
1 
Infrastructure Project by the Private Sector, and For Other 
2 
Purposes,” as amended, or other acceptable forms of partnership and 
3 
agreements 
in 
establishing 
an 
environmental, 
biological 
or 
4 
microbiological laboratory, GIS-mapping system, surveillance, 
5 
monitoring and enforcement system through high-definition closed 
6 
circuit televisions or other surveillance and monitoring technologies 
7 
and new technologies on highly-specialized fields;  
8 
g) Engage in land swapping in securing relocation and resettlement areas, 
9 
whether by itself or in cooperation with private persons or entities, 
10 
enter into other acceptable exchange agreements related to social and 
11 
ecological development projects;  
12 
h) Identify, secure and possess near-site or on-site development areas for 
13 
low-cost and socialized mass housing of qualified informal settler 
14 
families;  
15 
i) Engage 
in 
experimental 
community-based 
integrated 
waste 
16 
management technologies and strategies including the collection and 
17 
disposal system, sewage and septage treatment, collection and disposal 
18 
of floating garbage, solid waste, wastewater by-products, sludge or 
19 
contaminated sediments;  
20 
j) Clear and dismantle all illegal structures, in coordination with the 
21 
local government units, DILG and Philippine National Police (PNP), 
22 


8 
 
and ensure that the easements provided for in this Act and other 
1 
related laws are enforced;  
2 
k) Conduct, in close coordination with the DENR, DOST, the academe 
3 
and other private and public research institutions, continuing research 
4 
and 
development 
programs 
on 
environmental 
management 
5 
technologies, integrated agricultural management models and 
6 
techniques, and appropriate aquaculture technologies, with the end 
7 
view of promoting sustainable development;  
8 
l) Without prejudice to existing environmental laws, establish and 
9 
enforce anti-pollution standards on domestic, municipal, commercial 
10 
and industrial waste being discharged into the Province of 
11 
Catanduanes watershed and river system;  
12 
m) Require all projects or activities affecting the Province of Catanduanes 
13 
to secure environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) required 
14 
under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1586, entitled “Establishing An 
15 
Environmental 
Impact 
Statement 
System, 
Including 
Other 
16 
Environmental Management Related Measures and for Other 
17 
Purposes,” and grant clearances and permits for projects and activities 
18 
within or affecting the province including industrial and commercial 
19 
activities, recreation and tourism, navigation, housing and other forms 
20 
of land developments, construction and operation and  impose 
21 


9 
 
necessary safeguards, management and control of waste and collect 
1 
necessary fees for such activities and projects;  
2 
n) Issue, renew or cancel permits, subject to reasonable guidelines, for 
3 
the discharge of sewage, septage, industrial waste and installation or 
4 
operation of sewerage works and industrial disposal systems or parts 
5 
thereof, for the prevention and abatement of pollution;  
6 
o) Issue, after due notice and hearing, orders or decisions to compel 
7 
compliance with the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules 
8 
and regulations;  
9 
p) Issue, alter or modify, after due notice and hearing, orders or decisions 
10 
requiring the discontinuance of pollution specifying the conditions and 
11 
the time within which such discontinuance must be accomplished;  
12 
q)  Revoke, suspend or modify, after due notice and hearing, any 
13 
clearance or instrumentalities for the purpose of enforcing the 
14 
provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations;  
15 
r) Deputize or request the assistance of appropriate government agencies 
16 
or instrumentalities for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this 
17 
Act and its implementing rules and regulations and the orders and 
18 
decisions of the Authority;  
19 
s) Enter, inspect or investigate at all reasonable times any public and 
20 
private property devoted to commercial and industrial use within the 
21 


10 
 
Province of Catanduanes, on any matter relating to pollution and 
1 
existing or imminent environmental hazard and danger;  
2 
t) Fix, impose, collect, periodically review and adjust reasonable fees 
3 
and other related charges for services rendered in the performance of 
4 
its mandate; and  
5 
u) Exercise powers and perform other functions as may be necessary to 
6 
carry out its duties and responsibilities under this Act.  
7 
SEC.  7. Corporate Powers. – The Authority shall exercise the following 
8 
corporate powers:  
9 
a) Succeed in its corporate name;  
10 
b) Sue and be sued in its corporate name;  
11 
c) Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;  
12 
d) Adopt, amend or repeal its bylaws;  
13 
e) Enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of any class, kind 
14 
and description with any person, firm or corporation, private or public 
15 
and with foreign government entities which are necessary or incidental 
16 
to the realization of its purpose;  
17 
f) Receive and utilize donations, grants, bequeaths and assistance of all 
18 
kinds from local and foreign governments and private sectors;  
19 
g) Exercise the right of eminent domain whenever the Authority deems it 
20 
necessary to carry out the objectives under this Act;  
21 


11 
 
h) Borrow funds from any local or foreign sources independent of the 
1 
bonds it may issue to carry out the purposes of this Act;  
2 
i) Purchase, hold, alienate, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of the 
3 
shares of the capital stock or any bond, securities or other evidence of 
4 
indebtedness created by any other corporation, co-partnership or 
5 
government agencies or instrumentalities. The Authority shall not 
6 
invest its funds in any high-risk instruments or in any highly 
7 
speculative stocks issued without recourse to commercial banks or 
8 
investment houses;  
9 
j) Provide incentives to encourage the private sector to fully subscribe to 
10 
its shares of stock;  
11 
k) Perform any acts which a corporation or a juridical person is 
12 
authorized to perform under the existing laws; and  
13 
l) Issue such other rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to 
14 
carry out the purposes of this Act.  
15 
SEC.  8. Board of Directors.  – The corporate powers of the Authority 
16 
shall be vested in and exercised by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to 
17 
as the Board, which is composed of the following:  
18 
a) General manager of the Authority, as chairperson;  
19 
b) Secretary of the DENR, as ex-officio vice-chairperson;  
20 
c) Secretary of the DPWH, as ex-officio member;  
21 
d) Secretary of the DILG, as ex-officio member;  
22 


12 
 
e) A representative from the Office of the Governor of the Province of 
1 
Catanduanes; and  
2 
f) Two (2) representatives from the private sector who are shareholders 
3 
or stakeholders in the Province of Catanduanes, as members.  
4 
The ex-officio members of the Board may designate the officer next in 
5 
rank as a permanent alternate representative to the Board.  
6 
The appointment and qualification of the members of the Board shall be 
7 
in accordance with the provisions of RA 10149, otherwise known as the 
8 
“GOCC Governance Act of 2011.” The Governance Commission for GOCCs 
9 
shall give utmost consideration to the nominees recommended by the general 
10 
manager. The general manager shall recommend at least three (3) names for 
11 
every vacant position.  
12 
SEC.  9. Powers and Functions. – The Board shall exercise the following 
13 
powers and functions:  
14 
a) Provide a comprehensive policy guidance for the sustainable 
15 
development and preservation of the Province of Catanduanes;  
16 
b) Prescribe and promulgate policies, rules and regulations to govern the 
17 
conduct of business of the Authority and ensure that the Authority 
18 
performs its functions in a proper, efficient and effective manner;  
19 
c) Decide the objectives, strategies and policies of the Authority in 
20 
accordance with the provisions of this Act;  
21 
d) Exercise appellate powers on the decision of the general manager;  
22 


13 
 
e) Issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum requiring 
1 
the attendance and testimony of witnesses in any matter or inquiry 
2 
pending before the Board and requiring the production of books, 
3 
papers, contracts, agreements and all other documents;  
4 
f) Exercise appellate powers to order the taking of depositions at any 
5 
stage of any proceeding or investigation pending before the Board;  
6 
g) Approve the organizational and administrative structures and the 
7 
corresponding staffing pattern of the Authority; fix their reasonable 
8 
compensation, allowances and other benefits in accordance with the 
9 
Salary Standardization Law; prescribe their duties and establish such 
10 
methods and procedures as may be necessary to ensure the efficient, 
11 
honest and economical administration of the provisions and purposes 
12 
of this Act. All personnel of the Authority shall be appointed by the 
13 
general manager. Those personnel with the rank of assistant manager 
14 
down to department heads, and others of comparable rank, shall be 
15 
subject to the confirmation of the Board: Provided, That the personnel 
16 
of the Authority shall be selected only from those with civil service 
17 
eligibility and shall be subject to civil service laws, rules and 
18 
regulations;  
19 
h) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the Authority and 
20 
authorize each operating and capital expenditure and disbursement as 
21 


14 
 
may be necessary for the effective management, operation and 
1 
administration of the Authority;  
2 
i) Create and organize ad-hoc technical working groups composed of 
3 
representatives from the government and other stakeholders to assist 
4 
the Board; and  
5 
j) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the 
6 
provisions of this Act.  
7 
SEC.  10. Quorum. – The presence of at least five (5) members of the 
8 
Board shall constitute a quorum and the majority vote of at least four (4) 
9 
members in a meeting where a quorum is present shall be necessary for the 
10 
adoption of any ruling, order, resolution, decision or act of the Board in the 
11 
exercise of its functions.  
12 
SEC.  11. Board Meetings. – The Board shall meet regularly once a 
13 
month and may hold special meetings to consider urgent matters upon the call 
14 
of the chairperson or upon the initiative of five (5) members.  The rules and 
15 
procedures in the conduct of Board meetings shall be prescribed by the Board.  
16 
SEC.  12. Per Diems. – The members of the Board shall receive a per 
17 
diem for each meeting actually attended. The per diems of the members of the 
18 
Board shall be determined by the Board in accordance with the existing rules 
19 
and regulations.  
20 


15 
 
SEC.  13. General Manager.  – A general manager who is the chief 
1 
executive officer of the Authority shall exercise the following powers and 
2 
functions:  
3 
a) Submit for consideration of the Board, the policies and measures that 
4 
are necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of this Act;  
5 
b) Head and administer the Province of Catanduanes Adjudication Panel 
6 
as the implementing arm for the quasi-judicial powers of the 
7 
Authority;  
8 
c) Execute, administer and implement the policies, plans, programs and 
9 
projects approved by the Board;  
10 
d) Manage and supervise the operation and administration of the 
11 
Authority;  
12 
e) Appoint all officials and employees of the Authority and remove, 
13 
suspend or otherwise discipline the same for cause, in accordance with 
14 
existing civil service laws, rules and regulations;  
15 
f) Submit quarterly reports to the Board on personnel selection, 
16 
placement and training;  
17 
g) Render an annual report to the Board and various stakeholders 
18 
regarding the operation of the Authority including its latest financial 
19 
statements;  
20 


16 
 
h) Represent the Authority in all its dealings with offices, agencies, and 
1 
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and other 
2 
entities, public or private, domestic and foreign; and  
3 
i) Perform such other functions as may be provided in the bylaws and as 
4 
may be vested by the Board.  
5 
The general manager shall be vested with the rights, privileges, 
6 
disqualifications and prohibitions of a general manager as prescribed by existing 
7 
Position Classification and Compensation Scheme, laws, issuances and 
8 
pertinent civil service rules and regulations.  
9 
SEC.  14. Qualifications.  – The general manager must be:  
10 
a) A citizen and resident of the Philippines;  
11 
b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age;  
12 
c) With good moral character, unquestionable integrity and recognized 
13 
competence; and  
14 
d) A degree holder with at least five (5) years supervisory or 
15 
management experience in the field of public administration, 
16 
economic planning, environmental planning and natural resource 
17 
management, or in the establishment and management of large 
18 
agricultural, commercial or industrial enterprises or other related 
19 
fields.  
20 
SEC.  15. Term of Office.  – The general manager shall be appointed by 
21 
the President of the Philippines and shall have a term of six (6) years which may 
22 


17 
 
be extended for another non-extendible term of two (2) years. The general 
1 
manager may only be removed for cause in accordance with the rules and 
2 
regulations prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.  
3 
SEC.  16. Management Structure.  – In carrying out the activities of the 
4 
Authority, the general manager shall be assisted by an assistant general manager 
5 
and four (4) department heads: one (1) for legal services, one (1) for 
6 
administration and finance services, one (1) for technical services, and one (1) 
7 
for agricultural development, who shall have such powers, duties and functions 
8 
as the general manager may prescribe or delegate. The assistant general 
9 
manager shall act as the general manager in the absence or during the temporary 
10 
incapacity of the general manager or until such time that a new general manager 
11 
has been duly appointed.  
12 
The Authority shall have the following departments under the direct 
13 
supervision and control of the general manager:  
14 
a) Enforcement and Legal Service Department which shall provide legal 
15 
advice and support to all the corporate units on legal implications of 
16 
the various undertakings of the Authority. It shall also provide 
17 
professional assistance in the implementation of the quasi-judicial and 
18 
regulatory functions of the Authority, which includes enforcement of 
19 
environmental protection, proper procedures on investigation, 
20 
litigation, adjudication and voluntary arbitration.  It shall oversee and 
21 
manage the operations of the watershed, forestry zones, rainforest and 
22 


18 
 
fish sanctuary surveillance, monitoring and enforcement units within 
1 
the Province of Catanduanes;  
2 
b) Administrative and Finance Department which shall be responsible 
3 
for providing services related to administrative support services such 
4 
as consolidation of major financial output, preparation of personnel 
5 
evaluation system, human resource management, revenue planning, 
6 
generation and enhancement, budget and financial matters, records 
7 
management, safekeeping of financial assets, and general services;  
8 
c) Technical and Environmental Management Services Department 
9 
which shall serve as the main regulatory and technical arm of the 
10 
authority and shall oversee the integration of the functions on 
11 
environmental 
management 
and 
development, 
including 
the 
12 
management and operations of the GIS-mapping unit and laboratories. 
13 
It shall also be responsible for providing scientific studies, technical 
14 
policy planning, research and development, and technology 
15 
management services; and  
16 
d) Agricultural Development Department which shall be responsible for 
17 
the promotion and management of agricultural activities in the area, 
18 
including dissemination of information and educational campaign to 
19 
residents, particularly the farmers, to help them maximize their 
20 
earning potential while maintaining ecological balance.  
21 


19 
 
SEC.  17. Power to Administer Oaths. – The members of the Board, the 
1 
general manager and other duly designated officers of the Authority, shall have 
2 
the authority to administer oaths in the transaction and performance of their 
3 
official duties.  
4 
SEC. 18. Consultative Assembly. – There shall be established a 
5 
consultative assembly which shall serve as venue for public consultations and 
6 
participation by stakeholders and presentation of the Authority’s plans and 
7 
programs or modification, amendment or revision of rules and regulations prior 
8 
to its adoption or implementation within its jurisdiction. The consultative 
9 
assembly is composed of the following:  
10 
a) Mayors of the municipalities comprising the Province of Catanduanes;  
11 
b) The president of the association of barangay captains in municipalities 
12 
comprising the Province of Catanduanes;  
13 
c) A representative of owners, proprietors and authorized operators of all 
14 
major private, commercial or industrial business establishments 
15 
located in all barangays comprising the Province of Catanduanes; and  
16 
d) One (1) representative each for the homeowners associations, civil 
17 
society organizations and peoples’ organizations in the Province of 
18 
Catanduanes.  
19 
The Authority shall convene an annual year-end general assembly to 
20 
report and present its financial and fiscal status and updates on its plans, 
21 
programs and projects to its stakeholders and to the public. The required 
22 


20 
 
logistical support, such as food and transportation allowances shall be provided 
1 
to the members of the Board and the consultative assembly during the meeting 
2 
at the expense of the Authority subject to government accounting and auditing 
3 
procedures.  
4 
SEC.  19.  Organizational Structure. – The Chairperson shall determine 
5 
the organizational structure, staffing pattern and pay scales of the Authority 
6 
personnel subject to existing civil service and compensation laws.  The 
7 
Chairperson may reorganize the Authority and may create or abolish divisions, 
8 
units or branches therein as the exigencies of the affairs of the Authority may 
9 
require. 
10 
SEC.  20.  Merit System. – All officials and employees of the Authority 
11 
shall be selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance 
12 
with civil service law, rules and regulations.  The recruitment, transfer, 
13 
promotion, and dismissal of all its personnel including temporary workers shall 
14 
be governed by a merit system that is established by the Authority in 
15 
compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations. 
16 
SEC. 21. Catanduanes Comprehensive Urban and Master Development 
17 
Plan.  – Upon its organization, the Authority shall formulate the Catanduanes 
18 
Comprehensive Urban and Master Development Plan which shall serve as the 
19 
basis for the identification, formulation and development of programs, projects 
20 
and activities of the province.  The plan shall include social services; 
21 
infrastructure, transport and utilities; environment; tourism; and land use, to 
22 


21 
 
support the long-term framework for planning, development and asset 
1 
preservation of the Province of Catanduanes. 
2 
SEC. 22. Appropriations.  – The amount necessary for the initial 
3 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
4 
appropriations of the Province of Catanduanes.  Thereafter, the amount 
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necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General 
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Appropriations Act. 
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SEC.  23. Implementing Rules and Regulations.  – Within ninety (90) 
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days from the approval of this Act, the Board shall issue the necessary rules and 
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regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. The implementing rules 
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and regulations shall be published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of 
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general circulation.  
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SEC.  24. Repealing Clause.  – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
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and regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions 
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of this Act are hereby repealed accordingly.  
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SEC.  25. Separability Clause.  – If any provision of this Act is declared 
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unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall 
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remain in full force and effect.  
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SEC.  26. Effectivity.  – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
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Approved,  
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