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

[ RECEIVED
a DATBN 3 0 2022

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

25

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representatives FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ,
YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ and JUDE A. ACIDRE

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

Eastern Visayas is located at the very heart of the Philippines, with the islands of Samar and
Leyte serving as island bridges between the country’s northern island of Luzon and the southern
region of Mindanao. One of the most ecologically diverse regions of the country, the three islands
of Samat, Leyte and Biliran are blessed with land, mineral, energy, and marine resources, making it
favorable for agricultural, fishery, and industrial potentials. Its geothermal resources have also been
tapped, producing electricity for the national power grid. Its coconut, abaca, and other agricultural
produce have contributed toward increasing the national economic supply. But in spite of its
immense potentials and vast resources, Eastern Visayas remains one of the poorest regions in the
country today.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons in recorded human history,
flattened parts of Eastern Visayas, leaving behind a trail of devastation that has tragically resulted in
Joss of lives, livelihood, and property. But even as it rises from the typhoon, the region continues to
bbe caught up in the vicious eycle of poverty.

Even before Typhoon Haiyan struck, the incidence of poverty has already been worsening.
While the nation’s overall economic situation has been improving on the average, poverty in the
region worsened from 2006 to 2012. In 2014, poverty incidence was at 54.9 percent: more than half
of the region’s population of 4.10 million is now extremely poor and unable to earn the minimum
amount necessary to address their basic needs

The recent typhoon has aggravated this already deplorable situation, with the poor becoming
desperately poorer. Following the recent latest Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES)
conducted in 2015, four of the six provinces in Eastern Visayas are among the country’s top
poorest provinces Leyte (rinked 17" at 46.7% poverty incidence), Western
(ranked 14" at 49.5%), Eastern Samar (ranked 11" at 50%) and Northern Samar
(ranked 4" at 61.6%)

RE
Kia S&S

BAY


(Our post-Haiyan situation has already revealed the vulnerability of the poor to long-term
poverty as a result of major natural disasters. This is particularly the case for the poor residing in
Eastern Visayas. This vulnerability to poverty arises because many of the poor ate living just above
the poverty line and mainly rely on income from agriculture. Income inequality, especially in Eastern
Visayas is very high. Incomes of the poor are low and they have minimal savings to provide a buffer
from the disaster. Remittances will be an important part of families coping strategies, however, the
poorest have lower access to remittances compared to the better off families

Given this situation in Eastern Visayas, there is a need to establish an effective institutional
mechanism to be exercised through a unified responsive agency. This will address the need for a
coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of the plans, programs
and projects geared towards economic growth and development in the region, including the
establishment, among others, of special economic zones and support of the required social
innovations

This measure seeks to enact a creation of the Eastern Visayas Development Authority, a
proposed development agency mandated to promote, coordinate and facilitate the active and
extensive participation of all sectors to effect the socioeconomic development of Eastern Visayas.

By providing an integrated and coordinated direction to the agricultural, industrial, economic
and social development, EVDA will serve as the lead agency tasked to steer the sound and balanced
industrial, economic and social growth of Eastern Visayas and carry on with the speedy rehabilitation
in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan. To this end, EVDA will craft and implement programs and
projects that will increase trade, tourism and investments in the region, encourage private enterprise
and advance efforts towards progress and development.

Once the promise of a resilient economy is fulfilled, the right economic and social conditions
will be realized ~ one that will provide jobs to the people, especially those in rural areas, increase
their productivity and their individual and family income, and thereby improve the level and quality
of their living conditions.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

NAT G. ROMUALDEZ
Representative
First District, Leyte

IE K, ROMUALDEZ
Representative
Part)-List, Tingog Sinirangan Party-List, Tingog Sinirangan



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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

25

HOUSE BILL NO

Introduced by Representatives FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ,
YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ and JUDE A. ACIDRE

AN ACT

CREATING THE EASTERN VISAYAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EVDA),
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Easter Visayas
Development Authority (EVDA) Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — \t is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic and social growth of Eastern Visayas
and ensure its speedy rehabilitation in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan by increasing trade,
tourism, and investments, encouraging private enterprise, and advancing efforts towards progress
and development within the context of national plans and policies in order to provide jobs to the
people, especially those in rural areas, increase their productivity and their individual and family
incomes, and thereby improve the quality of their living conditions.

‘Towards this end, an effective institutional mechanism shall be established in order to
address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and
implementation of plans, programs, and projects geared towards economic growth and
development in the Eastern Visayas region, including the establishment, among others, of special
economic zones.

SEC. 3. Creation -"The Eastern Visayas Development Authority, hercinafter 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.


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SEC. 4. Coverage - ‘The Authority shall cover all the provinces of Northern Samar,
Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte, the independent City of
Ormoc and the highly urbanized City of ‘Tacloban,

SEC. 5. Main Office. ‘The Authority shall have its main office in Tacloban City. It
may establish other satellite offices in Metro Manila and in other provinces within Eastern
Visayas, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of this Act. The Authority shall have a term of
fifty (50) years from the effectivity of its Act, renewable for the same period unless otherwise
provided by law.

SEC. 6. Purpose.— The Authority shall have the following purposes and objectives:

(@ 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;

(©) To facilitate investments in any field as would enhance the economic development of
the region;

@ To provide a model for the full implementation of a comprehensive regional
industrialization and agricultural modernization policy.

SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Authority. “The Authority shall have the
following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate an integrated development framework for Eastern Visayas that is, as far as
practicable, consistent with the peace and development initiatives of the national
government;

(b) Provide strategic direction for the long-term economic development of Eastern
Visayas;

(© Integrate, prioritize, program, and implement, whenever allowed and authorized by
applicable laws, specific programs, activities and projects within Easter Visayas,
including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, subject to such limitations
prescribed by existing laws, rules, and regulations;

(@ Recommend to and, whenever necessary, call upon the appropriate agencies of the
national government and any of its instrumentalities, to lend the necessary technical
support for, assistance and prioritization in the implementation of agricultural,

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industrial, commercial, infrastructure, environmental, tourism and technological
programs and projects;

(© 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;

() 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;

@ 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;

@ Establish a comprehensive and integrated database on Eastern Visayas to support
planning and decision making;

@) 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, o utilization of natural resources within Eastern Visayas;

(&) 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;

() 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
pe tiga
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;


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Philippines and both Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and activities.

(©) 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;

@ 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;

(®) Recommend the creation and supervise the development and operation of special
economic zones according to the principles and provisions set forth in this Act and
Republic Act No. 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, as amended ;

(6) Interface with foreign assistance agencies and international aid organizations, in
coordination with the NEDA and other relevant national government agencies
the purposes of obtaining financing support, grants and donations for its programs
and projects;

for

(® Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts, in cash or
in kind, from foreign governments, international agencies, private entities and other
soutces, 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

(W) Discharge other functions that may be deemed necessary or as may be provided by
law.

In the discharge of its functions, the Authority shall ensure appropriate consultation

and coordination with the Regional Development Council Eastern Visayas (RDC-EV) and
other local development councils as well as with national government agencies, local
government units, accredited people’s organizations, non-government organizations and the
private sector operating in Eastern Visayas.

‘The Authority, through the EVDA Chairperson, shall submit to the President of the

SEC. 8. Board of Directors. —‘The Authority's overall directions and thrusts shall be

provided and approved, unless provided otherwise in this Act, by the EVDA Board of
Directors, hercinafter referred to as the Board. It shall be composed of the following members:

(@) The EVDA Chairperson as head;


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(b) ‘The Chairperson of the Regional Development Council of Eastern Visayas (RDC-EV)
as ex officio member;

(6) A member of the Senate, upon designation by the Senate President, who shall be an ex
officio member;

(@ 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;

(© The Regional President of the League of Municipalities-Eastern Visayas Chapter;

(® 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
(©) 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 continuc 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 offiio members including the Senator and the Member of the House
of Representatives shall correspond to their term as elected officials.

SEC. 9. Functions of the Board of Directors. — "The Board shall have the following
functions:

(a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work and thrusts for Eastern
Visayas;

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

(© Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with regional and local
development plans, programs and projects and vice versa

(@ Explore sources for financing of priority Eastern Visayas-wide development;


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(© Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary in for the
accomplishment of the plans, programs, projects and activities of the Authority;

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

() Perform such functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SEC. 10. Executive Committee. The Board shall constitute an Executive
Committee from among its membership to act, for and on its behalf when the Board is not in
session, on urgent matters as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson.

‘The following shall comprise the Executive Committee:
(a) The EVDA Chairperson as head;
(b) The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson;
(©) The Private Sector Representative from the business sector;
(@ The Private Sector Representative from the academic sector, and

(©) The Private Sector Representative from the non-government sector.

SEC. 11. Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.— The EVDA 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 functior

(@) Call and preside over meetings of the Board and sce to it that the policies, programs
and rules and regulations are implemented properly;

(&) Call on technical experts in the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive
and integrated development plan for Eastern Visayas, investment programs and the
preparation of investment programming priorities, annual reports and other pertinent
documents approved by the Authority;

(©) 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;


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(@) Advocate the Authority’s work among the various concerned sectors and stakeholders;

(© 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;

Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Eastern Visayas-wide
ipervis B ly impl s,
programs, projects and activities;

(® 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

(@ Supervise administrative operations including disbursement of any fund of the
Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and submit reports
thereon;

@ Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the Board;

(© 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;

( 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;

(®) Serve as ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the NEDA and the TIEZA;
and

(©) Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the provisions of
this Act.

SEC. 12. Deputy Chaisperson. ~The EVDA Chairperson shall be assisted by one
Deputy Chairperson, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the rank
of Assistant Secretary upon the recommendation of the EVDA Chairperson. The Deputy
Chairperson shall have the same qualifications as the Chairperson and shall perform such
duties and functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson or as provided for by law.


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SEC. 13. Executive Director. — An Executive Director shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines upon recommendation by the Chairperson: Provided, That no
person shall be appointed as Executive Director unless one is a Filipino citizen, of good moral
character, of proven probity and integrity and a holder of a degree in economics, business,
public administration, law, management or other related fields, and have at least five (5) years
relevant experience in said ficlds: 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 cligibilities for third level career service position, pursuant
to the career executive rank system: Provided, finally, that the appointee shall reside in Eastern
Visayas during while serving in such office.

The Executive Director shall assist the Chairperson in carrying out the functions of
the Authority and shall, likewise, serve as the Secretary of the Board.

SEC. 14. EVDA Advisory Council. — ‘There is hereby constituted an EVDA
Advisory Committee to be composed of the following:

(@ EVDA Chairperson as head;
(b) The Eastern Visayas RDC Chairperson;

(© The District Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Fastern Vi

(d) The Provincial Governors of the provinces comprising Eastern Visayas;

(©) The City Mayors of the independent cities i

Eastern Visayas;

(The Regional Directors of the national line agencies with regional offices in Eastern
Visayas.

‘The EVDA Advisory Council shall convene at least once every six (6) months, or as
often as necessary, upon the call of the EDVA Chairperson, advise or be consulted by the
Authority on important matters related to Eastern Visayas.

SEC. 15. Organizational Structure.— ‘The Board of Directors, upon the
recommendation of the Chairperson shall determine the organizational structure, staffing
pattern and compensation of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations
and Republic Act No. 11466, otherwise known as “Salary Standardization Law of 2019”, and
the Position Classification and Compensation System. ‘The Chairperson may reorganize the
Authority and may create or abolish divisions, units or branches therein as the exigencies of
the affairs of the Authority may require.

SEC. 16. Merit System. — All officials and employees of the EVDA 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


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temporary workers shall be governed by a merit system that will be established by the EVDA
in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 17. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act: Provided, ‘That the operating
expenses of the Authority should not exceed fourteen percent (14%) of the annual
appropriation: Provided further, That at least eight-six percent (86%) of said annual appropriation
shall be disbursed for the programs, projects, and activities of the Authority.

SEC. 18. Transfer of Post-Haiyan Rehabilitation Funds The authority, control
and administration of funds, equipment and properties donated by foreign governments,
forcign and local non-profit agencies and foundations and private entities to the National
Government for the purpose of the rehabilitation of areas in Eastern Visayas that were affected
by Typhoon Haiyan, as well as all other funds received or appropriated by the National
Government for the same purpose are hereby transferred to the Authority. Hereafter, the
Authority shall exercise the sole power of disposition and control of the rehabilitation funds,
in accordance with the provisions of this Act or until the purposes for which the said funds
had been donated are accomplished.

SEC. 19. Formulation of the Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan.-Upon
its organization, the Authority shall formulate and submit its development master plan to
NEDA for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and public
investment program. ‘The Eastern Visayas Development Master Plan shall serve as the
framework for the accelerated and balanced development of Eastern Visayas in accordance
with the aims and purposes of this Act.

SEC. 20. Administrative Supervision. ‘The Authority shall be under the direct
supervision of the President of the Philippines.

SEC. 21. Intespretation.- The powers, authorities and functions that are vested in the
Authority are intended to decentralize governmental functions and authority and promote an
efficient and effective working relationship between the EVDA, the national government, and
the local government units,

SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — "The ENDA shall adopt rules
and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the date
of its approval.

SEC. 23. Separability Clause.— \f any part or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall
continue to remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause.— All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


1 SEC. 25. Effectivity. —‘This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
2 in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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