REELECTED Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday filed a bill seeking the creation of the Eastern Visayas Development Authority (EVDA) aimed at fast-tracking the recovery and long-term growth of Region VIII through integrated planning, stronger governance and public-private investments.
The proposed EVDA, to be headquartered in Tacloban City, is envisioned as the lead agency in coordinating and harmonizing national and local government programs across the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar and the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban.
“Ang kailangan ng Eastern Visayas ay isang institusyong nakatutok, may kapangyarihan at may malinaw na direksyon para hilahin ang ating rehiyon mula sa kahirapan. It’s time we had an agency that speaks for the region and acts decisively for its people,” Rep. Martin Romualdez said, Speaker of the recently concluded 19th Congress.
The bill is co-authored by Tingog Party-list Reps. Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre.
Under the bill, the EVDA would craft a long-term development master plan that would become the blueprint for investments, infrastructure rollout and socio-economic programs in the region, with the goal of building resilience against disasters and reducing poverty across rural and urban communities.
“Hindi puwedeng passive tayo sa Region VIII sa plano ng national government. We need our own game plan, guided by the voices of our mayors, governors, business leaders and the people themselves,” Romualdez said. “That’s what this bill offers – a seat at the table for Eastern Visayas in crafting its own future.”
The EVDA will also be vested with control and administration of all post-Yolanda rehabilitation funds, equipment and properties still unutilized or pending disposition, making it the central authority in ensuring transparency and results in rebuilding efforts over a decade after the disaster.
“With EVDA, we bring accountability closer to home. Hindi ito dagdag-bureaucracy, ito ay dagdag-lakas para sa rehiyon,” he said.
The bill empowers the EVDA to initiate or facilitate economic development projects in fields such as energy, agriculture, public utilities, manufacturing and natural resource management.
It may also recommend the creation and development of special economic zones across Eastern Visayas.
Among its specific powers is the ability to screen and endorse permits for major projects, negotiate management contracts and directly coordinate with foreign aid agencies and the private sector.
Rep. Martin Romualdez stressed the need to “cut through the fragmentation” that has long slowed the region’s development.
“It’s no secret that our region suffers from disjointed programs, kulang sa coordination at napakabagal ng delivery. We need a unifying authority that pulls together all stakeholders, from barangays to the NEDA board,” he said.
The EVDA’s leadership will be composed of a Chairperson with the rank of Undersecretary, supported by a Deputy Chairperson and Executive Director, all of whom must be residents of Eastern Visayas.
A Board of Directors and an Advisory Council made up of elected officials and sectoral representatives will oversee strategic directions.
The measure also mandates the creation of an integrated regional database to support evidence-based planning and track the progress of key programs.
In addition, it will explore financing sources for priority investments and facilitate public-private partnerships.
“Sa ating mga kababayan sa Region VIII, this bill is for you. We’ve waited long enough. The time has come to build an Eastern Visayas that is not only seen but heard, served and strengthened,” Rep. Martin Romualdez said.
