Creation of the Center
- Establishment of the National Cartography, Photogrammetry and Remote-Sensing Center ("Center") under the Office of the President.
Powers and Functions of the Center
- Formulate and implement nationwide programs on aerial photography, cartography, and remote sensing.
- Establish technical standards and quality specifications for map production.
- Develop policies, regulations, security measures governing production, acquisition, safekeeping, dissemination, and use of mapping information and materials.
- Conduct research, development, and training to remain technologically current.
- Provide photogrammetry, cartographic, and remote-sensing services to build comprehensive data banks and information systems.
- Receive, hold, convey, invest, and manage assets from foreign and domestic sources.
- Prescribe and collect fees necessary for its activities.
- Enter into contracts domestically or internationally.
- Monitor compliance with the Decree and related regulations.
- Promulgate rules and regulations to enforce objectives.
- Exercise necessary powers to effectively discharge its functions.
Executive Board Composition and Meetings
- Board consists of key government officials from intelligence, defense, mapping, lands, and surveying agencies.
- Board members may designate written representatives.
- Board meets regularly or specially as convened by the Chairman or members.
- Quorum is three members; decisions require concurrence of at least three.
Powers and Functions of the Executive Board
- Exercise all Center powers.
- Promulgate policies, rules, regulations, standards, penalties, fines, and security measures.
- Approve organizational structure, staffing, and budget.
- Appoint, discipline, remove Center personnel; delegate contractual hiring of experts.
- Make contracts, determine office locations, and govern proceedings.
- Perform functions essential for the Decree's objectives.
Office of the Executive Director
- Chief operating officer appointed by the President upon Board recommendation.
- Qualifications: Filipino, 35+ years, good moral character, expertise in photogrammetry, cartography, remote sensing.
- Compensation set at P60,000 per year unless changed by the President.
- Assisted by two Assistant Executive Directors (Technical Services and Operations).
Functions of the Executive Director
- Prepare and submit national development programs and annual work plans.
- Implement Center functions per Board guidelines.
- Report periodically on activities and finances.
- Propose policies and staffing patterns for Board approval.
- Fix personnel duties, responsibilities, and salaries.
- Perform other Board-directed functions.
Assistance from Other Government Agencies
- Technical assistance from the National Photogrammetry and Cartography Committee.
- Coordinate mapping activities of government agencies and private enterprises with Center policies.
- Authorized to form pools of technical personnel from government agencies for detail or assignment.
- Personnel may receive honoraria and incentives as prescribed.
Security Measures
- The Center may classify aerial photos, maps, and irreproducible materials if disclosure threatens state security.
- Classified negatives and reproducibles must be deposited with the Center.
- Authorized to establish procurement offices abroad.
Tax Exemptions
- Photogrammetric, cartographic, and remote-sensing materials and equipment, whether imported or locally purchased by the Center, are exempt from all taxes, tariffs, and customs duties.
Borrowing Power
- Authorized to borrow funds from foreign governments and financial institutions.
- Can issue bonds and other debt instruments in foreign currency.
- Borrowings require approval of the President and Secretary of Finance.
- Government guarantees all foreign indebtedness automatically.
- Borrowed funds cannot be used for operating expenses.
Appropriations
- Initial appropriation of One Million Pesos from the National Treasury for 1978.
- Subsequent appropriations included in the General Appropriations Act.
Penalties
- Unauthorized sale, use, or disposition of classified aerial photos punishable by imprisonment (6 months to 6 years), fines up to P10,000, or both.
- Violation of the Decree or Board directives punishable by fines up to P10,000.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Repeals Presidential Decree No. 1178 and conflicting laws, orders, or regulations.
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the rest of the Decree.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon approval.