Definition
Yedda Marie Romualdez (née Bangayan; born 21 June 1973) is a Filipino politician who served as the representative of Leyte's 1st congressional district in the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.
Overview
Rom Romualdez entered national politics after a career in local business and civic involvement in Tacloban City, Leyte. She was elected to the 17th Congress in the 2016 Philippine general election, running under the Nacionalista Party, and was re‑elected to the 18th Congress in 2019. During her tenure, she served on several House committees, including those on Appropriations, Disaster Management, and Tourism. Romualdez is married to Martin Romualdez, a prominent legislator who became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2022.
Etymology/Origin
- Yedda is a given name of uncertain origin in the Philippine context; it may be a variant of the name “Jetta” or a locally created name.
- Romualdez is a Spanish‑derived surname common in the Philippines, originating from the given name “Romualdo,” which itself comes from the Latin Romualdus meaning “famous in Rome.” The Romualdez family is a noted political dynasty in the Visayas region.
Characteristics
- Political affiliation: Initially a member of the Nacionalista Party; later aligned with Lakas‑Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas‑CMD).
- Legislative focus: Advocated for infrastructure development, disaster resilience, and tourism promotion in Leyte. Sponsored bills on the reconstruction of areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013.
- Public service record: Served as the chairperson of the House Committee on Tourism (18th Congress) and was a member of the Committee on Appropriations.
- Personal background: Born in Tacloban City; graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines Visayas. Engaged in various philanthropic activities, particularly in education and health sectors within Leyte.
Related Topics
- Romualdez family (political dynasty)
- Leyte's 1st congressional district
- House of Representatives of the Philippines
- Martin Romualdez (spouse)
- Philippine political parties: Nacionalista Party, Lakas‑CMD
- Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) reconstruction efforts