The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office VIII called for stakeholders to support the implementation of the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan (EV RDP) 2023-2028 during the First Eastern Visayas Infrastructure Summit 2023 on 30 August to 1 September 2023 at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

The Plan, launched in early August, is anchored on Ambisyon Natin 2040 and is a product of consultations with various partners and stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) VIII. In her message, NEDA VIII OIC-RD Evangeline M. Paran thanked DPWH VIII Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon for making the Summit a reality and enjoined all stakeholders to continue working together to attain the goals and targets in the Plan, emphasizing the official call to action #MabuligAko (I will help)

The First Eastern Visayas Infrastructure Summit aims to harmonize and integrate efforts towards effective planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the region, laying the groundwork for expanded and upgraded infrastructure in Eastern Visayas – a key strategy for socioeconomic transformation in the Philippine and Regional Development Plans

Parallel sessions were conducted during the summit on relevant topics on infrastructure programs and projects, including Planning and Budget Preparation; Procurement Procedures and Processes; Construction Project Management; Design Criteria and Standards; Comprehensive Policy Guidelines on the Maintenance of National Roads and Bridges; Policies on Road Right of Way; Preparation of Program of Work and Detailed Unit Price Analysis; Environmental and Social Impact Assessment; and Quality Assurance and Quality Control in Project Management.

More than 200 participants were present for the event, including Congresspersons and their representatives; local chief executives, department heads, and representatives from the local government units; regional line agencies; the academe; civil society, investors, and members of the business community.

The RDC VIII-Advisory Committee approved the conduct of the Summit through Resolution No. 2, Series of 2023. The DPWH VIII spearheaded the event, in partnership with the Offices of the House Speaker and Leyte First District Representative, Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tingog Partylist represented by Hon. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Hon. Jude A. Acidre, and NEDA Regional Office VIII.