ATTACHED OFFICES Under the Office of the President Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao  Asset Privatization Trust (APT)  BASECON  Commission on Higher Education (CHED)  Committee on Privatization (COP)  Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)  Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)  Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)  Games and Amusement Board (GAB)  Home Developement Mutual Fund (HDMF)  Home Insurance Guarantee Corporation (HIGC)  Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)  Housing and Urban Developement Coordinating Council (HUDCC)  Livelihood Corporation (LIVECOR)  Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)  Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)  National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA)  National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW)  National Computer Center (NCC)  National Home Mortgage and Finance Corporation (NHMFC)  National Housing Authority (NHA)  National Information Technology Council (NITC)  National Intelligence Coordination Agency (NICA)  National Security Council (NSC)  National Youth Commission (NYC)  Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA)  Office of Northern Cultural Communities (ONCC)  Office of Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC)  Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)  Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)  Philippine Human Resource Development Center (PHRDC)  Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)  Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM)  Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)  Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC)  Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG)  Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP)  Presidential Management Staff (PMS)  Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)  Public Estates Authority (PEA)  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)  Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC)  Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB)  Agri Business  Aqua Business  Home Business  New Courses  AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM) A Francisco Gold Condominium II, Mapagmahal Street Cor. EDSA, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 925-18-89 Fax No. : 925-18-89 ARMM exercises powers and functions necessary for the proper governance and development of all the constituent units within the region, consistent with the constitutional policy on regional and local autonomy and decentralization.  What's New??  "National strategy and global economics point to Mindanao as the new center of economic progress," ARMM governor Nur Misuari said.  Misuari, who is also the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD), said foreign investments are now pouring into the south as a consequence signing of the Mindanao peace agreement last September 1996.  Chairman -- Nur Misuari ASSET PRIVATIZATION TRUST (APT) North Davao Mining Corp., 104 Gamboa Street Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 815-45-91/818-46-25/818-47-33/893-16-92 Fax No. : 893-23-53 Main function -- To sell government properties, including government-owned and Controlled corporations.  What's New?  "The privatization of government assets genereated P31.3 billion for the national treasury over the last 10 years," the APT chief executive trustee, Gonzalo T. Santos, Jr. said.  Almost half of the total amount, or P14.5 billion, was raised under the Ramos administration. The biggest single annual remittance, involving P5.3 billion, was made in 1994. This was followed by P3.4 billion in 1995.  Chief Executive Trustee -- Gonzalo T. Santos, Jr. BASES CONVERSION AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (BASECON) 4th Floor, Rufino Bldg., Ayala Avenue, Cor. Herrera Street, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 813-53-79 to 85/813-54-25/817-31-27 Fax No. : 813-54-27 Main functions - 1) To create immediate employment and livelihood opportunities utilizing existing world-class infrastructures and support facilities in the reverted baselands in line with the national government objective of poverty alleviation and sustained economic recovery and growth; 2) to adopt, prepare, and implement a comprehensive and detailed plan embodying a list of projects; and 3) to mobilize the local and international business communities in the transformation of military camps and bases into hubs for economic developments and into world-class manufacturing,trading, and tourism centers.  What's New??  Victorino Basco, BASECON chairman, asked why the government agency which owns the lands where NAIA Terminal 3 will be built was excluded from the concession agreements on its own property.  BASECON's biggest concern was the lease of the land. No lease contract has been formalized yet with BASECON.  Chairman -- Victorino Basco COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) DAP Bldg., San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 633-19-25 to 26/633-19-81 Fax No. : 633-19-27 CHED is an independent body, separate from DECS. Its main function is to formulate and recommend development plans, policies, priorities, and programs on higher education and research.  What's New??  An official of CHED said she would order the AMA Computer College Quezon City to present its final decision on 10 students who were dismissed for publishing a lampoon issue of local tabloid.  Commissioner Mona Valisno said she would direct the school to submit a formal written copy of their decision so CHED could render its decision fast.  "The decision must include case documents on the school's summary investigation and hearings with the students. This is to give CHED a chance to review thes in case the students would file an appeal," she said.  Chairman - Angel C. Alcala COMMITTEE ON PRIVATIZATION (COP) Central Bank, Bldg., Vito Cruz, Malate, 1004, Manila Tel. Nos. : 520-16-32/529-58-86 Fax No. : 529-58-86 Main function - To oversee the implementation of the government's privatization program, the basic thtust of which is to dispose of certain non-performing assets of government institutions and of certain government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs) whose functions can best be undertaken by the private sector.  What's New??  The inte-agency COP has opposed the plan of the House Committee on Energy to immediately sell 20 percent of the capital stock of subsidiaries to be spun off from the state-owned National Steel Corporation to the public through an initial public offering.  COP executive officer Crisanta Legaspi said it would be unwise to legislate the sale of the 20-percent shares of a future NAPOCOR subsidiary, such as the Nationa Transmission Co, within six months from its creation since the market behavior at that time may not be favorable.  Executive Officer -- Crisanta S. Legaspi COOPERATIVES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CDA) Ben-Lor Bldg., 1184 Quezon Avenue, 1102, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 928-26-41 local 251 and 285 Fax No. : 928-65-09 CDA promotes the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments of equity, social justice, and economic development. Among its main functions are: 1) to formulate, adopt, and implement integrated and comprehensice plans and programs on cooperative and the overall socioeconomic development plans of the government; and 2) to develop and conduct management and training programs upon request of cooperatives.  Chairman - Jose C. Medina, Jr. CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES (CCP) CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., 1004, Manila Tel. Nos. : 832-11-25 to 39 local 205-206/832-36-67 Fax No. : 832-36-83 CCP seeks to preserve, promote, and enhance the Filipino people's artistics heritage and to help evolve and develop a Filipino national culture that will uphold the cultural identity of the various ethnic groups, while emphasizing the many similarities that collectively serves as a basis of national identity. It also cultivates public interest in, and appreciation of, distinctive Philippine arts in various fields.  What's New??  Japan handed over the Philippines cultural grants amounting to P24.3 million, including funds for a new sound system for CCP -- the premier performing arts center in the country.  CCP will get P11.9 million which will be used in upgrading the audio facilities of the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Main Theater. Being in the forefront of the nation's cultural events, CCP will surely benefit from an upgraded sound system to highlight the historic celebrations of the country's centennial.  President - Baltazar N. Endriga DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY OF THE PHILIPPINES (DAP) DAP Bldg., San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 631-21-62/673-52-41 Fax No. : 631-21-23 Main function : To promote and support the various efforts of the government through human resources development designed to instill the proper perspective and advance management capabilities in the leadership of the key sectors and the economy, as well as research, analysis, and publications programs.  President - Carmencita T. Abella GAMES AND AMUSEMENT BOARD (GAB) 2nd Floor, Legaspi Towers 200 Paseo de Roxas, 1200, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 812-15-02/812-15-05/817-80-41 to 45 Fax No. : 815-21-68 Main functions - 1) To supervise and regulate all professional games/contests, e.g., boxing, basketball, etc.; 2) to supervise and regulate all the officials involved in professional sports by promoting and maintaining orderly, honest, and fair conduct of games; 3) to prescribe additional rules and regulations to govern the operations and condut of all professional games; 4) to enforce the laws, decress, executive orders, rules, and regulations relating to professional games; and 5) to make professional sports a stable base for revenue generation.  Chairman - Dominador R. Cepeda, Jr. HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (HDMF) 8th Floor, Atrium Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 811-43-38/816-44-04 Fax No. : 815-13-82 Main functions - 1) to administer the provident fund contributions collected from member-employees and employers, utilizing funds not required for provident benefits for housing loans of members; and 2) to develop sourcing schemes for home acquisitions by private and government employees.  What's New??  Las Villas Urdaneta, a fully completed socialized housing project in Catablan, Urdaneta Pangasinan, built with loan assistance from HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund), recently turned over its community facilities and roads to the municipal government and to the homeowners' association.  Chief Executive Officer - Zorayda Amelia C. Alonzo HOME INSURANCE GUARANTEE CORPORATION (HIGC) 349 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 890-55-31/896-54-43 Fax No. : 816-23-30 This used to be known as the Home Financing Corporation (HFC). Its main functions are: 1) to assist private developers to undertake low-and middle-income mass housing production; and 2) to encourage private institutional funds and commercial lenders to finance such housing development and long-term mortgages through a viable system of guarantees, loan insurance, and other incentives.  President - Wilfredo F. Hernandez HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD (HLURB) HLURB Bldg., NHA Compound, Kalayaan Avenue Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 924-33-78/924-33-84 Fax No. : 924-33-78 Main function - To enforce, coordinate, streamline, and improve land-use policies and regulations.  What's New??  Bolstered by a notable improvement in the Filipino families' income level, the demand for residential and non-residential structures grew by 22 percent in the first half of 1996. In response to the surge in demand, real estate developers constructed 252, 747 units during the first semester of 1996, compared to 206, 306 units during the same period in 1995. This was the report of HLURB recently.  A total of 1,200 projects were issued licenses to sell residential and non-residential units by the HLURB in the first half of 1996. The number of licenses issued is one of the performance indicators of the HLURB and the including lots, house-and-lot packages, plots in memorial parks, subdivision projects, and condominium units.  Chief Executive Officer -- Romulo Q. Fabul HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL (HUDCC) 6th Floor, Atrium Bldg., Makati Avenue, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 811-41-68/811-41-78 Fax No. : 811-41-58 Main function : To coordinate and monitor the activities of the government housing agencies and ensure the accomplishment of the National Shelter Program.  What's New??  HUDCC Chairman, Dionisio dela Serna, disclosed that the government had blacklisted one developer and asked five others to immediately repair or correct deficiencies in their housing projects in Cagayan de Oro City.  Aside from the E.B. Villarosa and PArtners which HUDCC blackliste, five other developers are now repairing portions of their subdivision projects. The five developers are the Scion Ltd., the Masterplan Properties, the San Roque Realty and Development Corp., and the Springfield Development Corp.  A blacklisted developer is not issued any license to sell, a certificate of completion and appraisal, and the privilege of taking out housing mortgages under the Unified Home Lending Program.  Chairman - Dionisio C. Dela Serna LIVELIHOOD CORPORATION (LIVECOR) 7th Floor, Hanston Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 631-30-36 Fax No. : 631-25-43 LIVECOR supports the livelihood-generation thrusts and programs of the government, thus pump-priming the country's economy. Its main functions is to provide the resources needed to accelerate the viability of enterprises, using anchor intermediation as a vehicle to stabilize and stimulate livelihood opportunities for the people.  What's New??  Northern Food Corp., (NFC), a firm that buys tomatoes from Ilocos Norte farmers, denied tomato growers are being short-changed by the firm through low prices and unfair terms.  Joey Rufino, Livecor administrator, under which NFC belongs, said at least 3,500 farmers get good terms from NFC which supplies seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs.  Rufino said NFC buys tomatoes from farmers at P1.51 a kilo, higher thatn prices prevailing in China or Bukidnon. He added that the tomato seeds from the firm are certified by the Bureau of Plant Industry. Administrator - Jose Ma. A. Rufino METROPOLITAN MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MMDA) MMDA Bldg., EDSA, Cor. Orense and Guadalupe Streets, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 818-84-64/892-65-54/893-74-60 Fax No. : 818-84-90 Main function - To plan, monitor, coordinate, and exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila, without lessening the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.  What's New??  MMDA chairman Prospero Oreta ordered the one-year suspension of the licenses of the 80 bus drivers for repeated traffic violations or reckless driving.  "We ask all companies to cooperate in the authority's efforts to rid the streets of these undisciplined drivers. The MMDA shall not hesitate to go after bus companies who shall hire suspended drivers," Oreta said.  The list of suspended drivers was forwarded to the bus comapanies and to LTO so that they may not be hired to drive anymore.  Chairman - Propero I. Oreta MOVIE AND TELEVISION REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION BOARD (MTRCB) A. Francisco Bldg., 1373 E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 721-08-81/721-31-03 Fax No. : 721-31-06 Main functions - 1) To supervise, regulate, and classify all motion pictures and television programs, including pbulicly materials, such as advertisements, trailers and stills, whether for theatrical or non-theatrical distribution; 2) to regulate the production and dissemination of movies and television programs, with the end in view of determining the differefnt levels of audience stability and procedures; 3) to supervise the plans and cooperate with the movie and television industries in improving, upgrading, and making them viable as one source of funding the national economy; 4) to review and censor films or television programs brought before it; 5) to promulgate the needed rules and regulations, including guidelines and standards for production, advertising, and titles; 6) to approve, disapprove, delete objectionable portions; and 7) to prohibit the importation, exportation, production, copying, distribution, sale, lease, exhibition, and/or television broadcasts of the motion pictures, TV programs, and publicity materials.  What's New??  Jesus Sison, MTRCB chairman, ordered a six-month closure of La Fe Cinema in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, for showing pornographic films.  The theater, manged by Flor Ignacio, was caught by the MTRCB special agents exhibiting the movie "Jones Bridge Massacre," with a tampered permit.  Chairman - Jesus Sison NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (NCCA) House No. 8, Casablanca, Plaza San Luis Complex Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros, 1002, Manila Tel. Nos. : 527-21-98/527-22-12 Fax No. : 527-21-94 Main functions - 1) To formulate policies for the development of culture and arts; and 2) to implement the policies and programs, in coordination with affiliated agencies.  What's New??  Noted artists hold regular sketching session every Tuesday at the second floor of the NCCA building in Intramuros, Manila. The group aims to promote the welfare of its members, strengthen their solidarity, and bring art to the masses exhibiting paintings and portraits around the country.  Executive Director - Carmen D. Padilla NATIONAL COMMISSION ON THE ROLE OF FILIPINO WOMEN (NCRFW) 1145 J. P. Laurel St., San Miguel, 1005, Manila Tel. Nos. : 735-49-55-741-50-28/741-50-93 Fax No. : 735-16-55 Main functions - 1) to formulate the nations agenda for the protection of women's rights, improve their social and economic conditions, promote their participation in political decision-making, and coordinate and monitor the implementation of the government's policy on gender and development; and 2) to review, evaluate, and recommend measures and priorities to ensure the full integration and equality of women in social, political, economic, and cultural development.  What's New??  Teresita Castillo, NCRFW executive director, reported that women's group pressing for the enactment of a progressive anti-rape law since 1992 can now expect such a law that is more responsive to the need, experience, and perspective of women.  "We only hope that the House of Representatives would take its cue from the Senate, as well as from the President's certification of the bill as a priority measure and pass its version as soon as possible," Castillo said.  The measure changes rape from a private crime to a crime against persons, making it a public offense, enabling anyone, particularly the police, to file charges. As a private, only the victim, her parents, legal guardians, or grandparents can file charges.  Executive Director - Teresita S. Castillo NATIONAL COMPUTER CENTER (NCC) Carlos P. Garcia, UP Computer, Diliman, 1104, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 920-74-16 to 17/920-74-44 Fax No. : 920-74-44 NCC is the policy body of the government on computerization. Its original function was to formulate and adopt a long-range strategy to organize all government electronic-data processing (EDP) services within the computer-sharing framework which would optimize existing centers. Its current mission is to create the proper environment for, and rationalize the applications of, information technology (IT) in the government and provide the necessary interplay of other sectors towards the development of IT in the country as a whole.  Acting Managing Director - Cynthia A. Topacio NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE AND FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC) 104 Filomena Bldg., Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 892-54-30/893-15-01 Fax No. : 892-04-06 NHMFC is the major government home mortgage insititution. It is a nationwide program of savings and provident benefits for employees -- both government and private. Its primary function is to assit the employees of both government and the private sectors in acquiring or constructing their own homws, utilizing long-term funds principally provided by GSIS, SSS, and HDMF. It now focuses on the collection of loan amortizations still unpaid and then remits the funds collected to the funding agencies.  President - Manuel Eduardo P. Lunas NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (NHA) NHA Bldg., Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 921-78-28/926-49-94/927-80-16 Fax No. : 921-04-44 NHA is the sole government agency engages in direct shelter production. Its main function is to provide housing assistance to the lowest 30 percent of urban income-earners through slum upgrading, squatter relocation, development of sites and services, and construction of housing units.  What's New??  Marciano Pineda, NHA general manager, cited positive developments in the government's socialized housing program which focuses mainly on the low-income group.  He said significant redirection of the Philippine government's housing policies and programs for low-income housing has been made by liberalizing credit terms for home buyers' financing and providing more access to the urban poor.  Pineda said that the government has also recognized the critical role of the private sector in socialized housing, comprising private landowners, private developers, nongovernment organizations, and people's organizations.  General Manager - Marciano M. Pineda NATIONS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL (NITC) C.P. Garcia Avenue, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 920-74-16 to 17 local 219 Fax No. : 920-74-73 Main functions - 1) To recommend to the President policies relative to the implementation of the National Information Technology Plan 200 (NITP 2000), in consultation with all agencies concerned; and 2) to monitor and ensure the implementation and undertake review and periodic upgrading of the NITP 2000.  Head - Executive Secretary Ruben Torres NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATION AGENCY (NICA) NICA Compound, V. Luna Road, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 921-49-90 Fax No. : 922-11-38 Main functions - 1) To direct, coordinate, and integrate government activities involving national intelligence; and 2) to prepare intelligence estimates of local and foreing situations for the formulation of national policies by the President.  Director-General - Alfredo Filler NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (NSC) NICA Compound, East Avenue, Cor. V. Luna Road Diliman, 1104, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 922-73-20 Fax No. : 922-62-45 Main function : To provide advice/recommendations to the President related to the defense and security of the country and to coordinate the formulations of policies with implications on national security.  Director-General - Jose T. Almonte NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION (NYC) Filomena Bldg., San Rafael St., San Miguel, 1005, Manila Tel. Nos. : 734-59-10/734-77-21 Fax No. : 734-60-62 Main functions - 1) To provide the leadership in the formulation of policies and in the setting of priorities and direction of all youth pormotion and development programs and activities; 2) to encourage wide and active participation of the youth in all governmental programs, projects, and activities affecting them; and 3) to harsness and develop the full potential of the youth as partners in naion-building.  Chairperson - Amina Rasul-Bernardo OFFICE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS (OMA) Ablaza Bldg., 117 E. Rodriguez Blvd., 1102, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 742-27-11 to 16 Fax No. : 731-43-41 OMA's mission is to preserve the cultural traditions, institutions, and well-being of Muslim Filipinos in conformity with the country's laws and in consonance with national unity and development.  Executive Director - Dimasangcay A. Pundato OFFICE OF NORTHERN CULTURAL COMMUNITIES (ONCC) 2nd Floor, D & E Bldg., Quezon Blvd., Cor. Roces, 1102, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 927-38-50/927-38-71 Fax No. : 927-38-50 Main function - To preserve and develop the culture, traditions, institutions, and well-being of the northern cultural communities, in conformity with the country's laws and in consonance with the national unity and development.  Executive Director - David L. Daoas OFFICE OF SOUTHERN CULTURAL COMMUNITIES (OSCC) 2nd Floor, Delta Bldg., West Avenue, 1104, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 924-03-42/924-05-73 Fax No. : 924-04-66 Its mission is to preserve and develop the culture, traditions, institutions, and well-being of southern cultural communities in conformity with country's laws and in consonanc with national unity and development.  Executive Director - Trinidad Sibug PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION (PAGCOR) PAGCOR House, 1330 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, 1000, Manila Tel. Nos. : 521-20-46/524-66-73 Fax No. : 522-29-69 Main functions - 1) To centralize and integrade the right and authority to operate and conduct games of chance into one corporate entity to be controlled administered and supervised by the government, and 2) to establish and operate clubs and casionos, sports gaming pools, and others for amusement and recreation.  What's New??  Alicaia Reyes, PAGCOR chairperson, said that the corporation capped the year 1996 with a record-breaking income of P11,239,818,934.35 (P11.2 billion), posting a 19-percent increase than its P9.4 billion revenues in 1995.  The 1996 income record surpassed its P10.2 billion income target for the year by nine percent. PAGCOR's income-generating feat for 1996 was heightened by a new monthly record of P969 million collected last July as well as a new company record for one day of P159 million lasy July 27, 1996.  PAGCOR operates 12 Casino Filipino outlets in the cities of Manila , Pasay, Tagaytay, Angeles, Olongapo, Laoag, Cebu, Bacolod, and Reyes cited PAGCOR's gaming success to an intensified marketing offensive in the country and neighboring Southeast and Asian regions amidst an aura of mounting economic prosperity, the continuous upgrading of its gaming facilities, and the growing reputation for competence and conviviality of PAGCOR's personnel.  Chairperson - Alicia L. Reyes PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (PCSO) 970 San Marcelino Street, 1004, Manila Tel. Nos. : 522-11-86/525-57-75/527-49-11/529-15-29 Fax No. : 522-11-95 The PCSO is the principal government agency for raising funds to be used for health programs, medical assistance and services, and charities of national character. Its functions include : 1) to hold and conduct charity sweeptakes races, lotteries, and other similar activities, in such frequency and manner to be determined by its Board; and 2) to undertake any other activity that will enhance its fund-generation operations and fund-management capabilities.  What's New??  Manuel Morato, PCSO chairman, asked the Supreme court to review the taxing and regulatory powers of local governments pertaining to the operations of on-line lottery. He filed the petition of certiorari after Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia ordered four lotto-validating machines seized for defying a closure order.  Morato wanted the high tribunal to settle the matter on whether the lotto operators need to secure a business permit to allow PCSO to operate lotto nationwide wihtout fear of being harassed. In his petition, Morato quoted the opinion of Justice Secretary Teofisto Guingona that "legalized gambling and lotteries are subject to regulation only by the national government and are exempt from any form of taxes and fees imposed by provinces, cities, and towns."  Chairman -Manuel L. Morato  PHILIPPINE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER NAS, Meralco Avenue, 1600, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 631-25-47 Fax No. : 631-25-41 Main functions - 1) To upgrade and maximize human capabilities in government service and private enterprise and foster self-reliance and productivity in the countryside; 2) to ensure that human resources development efforts are productively applied to new and and existing enterprises; and 3) to strengthen established infrastructures for training related to human resources development and to effect the networking of such existing training facilities.  General Manager - Manuel I. Cabrera PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER (PICC) CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., 1004, Manila Tel. Nos. : 832-34-33/832-34-40 Fax No. : 832-34-40 International conventions held in the country are mostly identified with commerce, science, techmology, tourism, and trade. PICC's main function is to bolster the competitivenes of th Philippines as a venue for the holding of intenational conventions, which could accordingly mean more foreign exchange receipts for the country. OIC - Araceli E. Villanueva PHILIPPINE RACING COMMISSION (PHILRACOM) 4th Floor, Electra House Bldg., Herrera Street Legaspi Village, 1200, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 826-34-42/828-14-53/843-09-71/892-91-74 Fax No. : 843-71-98 PHILRACOM has the exclusive jurisdiction and control over every aspect of the conduct of horse-raising, including the scheduling of races, the construction and safety of race tracks, the allocation of prizes, and the security of racing. Its main functions are: 1) to promote horse-racing not only in pursuance of the sports development program but also to ensure the full exploitation of the sports as a source of revenue and employment; 2) to ensure and maintain efficient and unbiased operation of racing, exclusive of the supervision of betting thereon; 3) to raise public confidence in the sport and to minimize infraction of the rules of racing; and 4) to improve the breed of Philippine horsed and to prevent illegal importation of race-horses.  Chairman - Antonio M. Lagdameo PHILIPPINE SPORTS COMMISSION (PSC) 4th Flor, Administration Bldg., Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, 1004, Manila Tel. Nos. : 520-49-41/521-23-64/525-22-40/528-37-74 Fax No. : 524-49-41 PSC is the sole policy-making and coordinating body of all amateur sports development programs and isntitutions in the Philippines. Its main functions are: 1) to provide the leadership, formulate the policies, and set the priorities and directions of all nationa amateur sports promotion and development, particularly giving emphasis on grass-roots, mass-based participation; and 2) to encourage wide participation of all sectors - government and private - in amateur sports promotion and development.  What's New??  Three major cities in the country will serve as launching sites for the 1997 Philippine National Games (PNG).  The third edition of PNG will have its launching in Cebu City on February 20; the next will be in Manila on February 24; andthen the third in Davao City on February 27.  Cebu City, which has the best sports facilities, will probably host the PNG which is tentatively scheduled on December 6-13, 1997. Baguio City will also submit its bid.  Chairman - Philip Ella Juico PRESIDENTIAL ANTI-CRIME COMMISSION (PACC)  Rm. 420, Executive House Bldg., P. Burgos Street, Ermita, Manila Tel. Nos. : 832-75-04/832-75-54 Fax No. : 832-75-48 Main functions - 1) To identify and cause the investigation and prosecutioln of criminal elements in the Philippines; 2) to direct and coordinate the activities of various law-enforcement agencies to effect a more vigorous campaign against criminality, and 3) to provide policy guidelines unified operational directon, and general supervision of the government and community efforts in the campaign against crimes.  Chairman - Joseph E. Estrada PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION ON GOOD GOVERNMENT (PCGG) 6th Floor, PHILCOMCEN Bldg., Ortigas Avenue, 1600, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 631-58-13/631-62-25 Fax No. : 631-58-73 Main functions - 1) To recover all il-gotten wealth accumulated by former President Marcos, his family, relatives, subordinates, and close associates; 2) to investigate cases of graft and corruption as the President may assign; and 3) to adopt safeguards to ensure that the above practices shall not be repeated in any manner under the new government.  What's New??  PCGG dropped its opposition to the liberalization of international satellite services, despite its possible adverse impact on the revenue stream of sequestered Philippine Communication Satellite, Inc. (PHILCOMSAT).  Magtanggol Gunigundo, PCGG chairman, said that his office will support the moves of DOTC to open up the telecom services to competition. "We are i no position to stop the DOTC from implementing its policies. We do not believe now that the liberalization will affect PHILCOMSAT's revenue, " he said.  Chairman - Magtanggol C. Gunigundo PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION FOR THE URBAN POOR (PCUP) 133 A & J Bldg., Quezon Avenue, Quezon City Tel. Nos. : 742-70-76 Fax Nos. : 741-56-91/742-70-76 The Commisson is the direct link of the urban poor to the government in policy formulation and program implementation. Its main functions are: 1) to coordinate the speedy implementation of government policies and programs for the urban poor; and 2) to set up a consultative mechanism which shall provide a forum of continuing dialogue between the government and the urban poor on the proper planning and evaluation of programs and project affecting them.  What's New??  PCUP wants a copy of the letter from the United Nations sent in December 1996, which expressed serious concern over reported large-scale forced evictions.  It was apparently caught off-guard by a recent report regarding a request from the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ECOSOC) for an explanation on the evictions of squatter communities in Metro Manila.  Chairman - Mechizedek Maquiso PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT STAFF (PMS) PMS Bldg., Arlegui St., San Miguel, 1005, Manila Tel. Nos. : 734-39-71/741-64-88 Fax No. : 733-37-18 Its primary function is to provide management and technical staff support to the Office of the President in the task of overseeing, coordinating, and managing the development process. It also processes requests for importation of relief goods.  Head - Alexander Aguirre PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION (PRC) P. Paredes St., Sampaloc, 1008, Manila Tel. Nos. : 741-60-68/741-60-74 Fax No. : 742-04-61 Main functions - 1) To adopt policies and programs designed to enhance and maintain high professional, technical, and ethical standards in the practice of the profession, and 2) to administer the licensure examinations that are usually held in different centers throughout the country.  What's New??  Senator Franklin Drilon batted for a more effective and efficient implementation and administration on the regulatory policies of the PRC.  Drilon filed a bill which seeks to remedy the flaws, defects, or inadequacies of PRC whose functions have increased tremendously. This needs the expansion of its manpower. He noted the transfer to the PRC of the licensure examinations, registration and regulation of professional teachers. In other words, PRC's workload has more than tripled.  Chairman - Hermogenes P. Pablo PUBLIC ESTATES AUTHORITY (PEA) 7th Floor, Legaspi Towers 200, Paseo de Roxas 1200, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 815-26-61/817-47-11/817-50-17/817-50-18 Fax Nos. : 817-31-27/817-69-18 Main functions - 1) To reclaim land, including foreshore submerged ares, by dredging, filling, or other means, or to acquire reclaimed land; and 2) to develop, improve, acquire, administer, deal in, subdivide, dispose, lease, and sell any and all kinds of lands, buildings, estates, and other forms of real property, owned, managed, controlled, and/or operated by the government.  What's New??  PEA's controversial contract with the Amari Coastal Bay Development Corp. to develop a portion of the reclamation area on Roxas Boulevard was cleared by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.  Executive Secretary Ruben Torres, who is reviewing the contract, said that the government corporate counsel had cleared the disputed land contract, belying claims that the deal was made without legal opinion.  Chairman - Arsenio Yulo SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) SEC Bldg., EDSA, Greenhills, 1501, Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos. : 727-45-43/728-09-31/729-83-20 Fax No. : 722-09-90/725-42-99 SEC has absolute jurisdiction, supervision, and control over all corporations, partnerships, or associations which are grantees of primary franchises and/or a license or permit, issued by the government to operate in the Philippines.  SEC supervises the sale of shares of stock to the public and regulates the activities of stock exchanges, dealers, and brokers buying and selling securities. All documents relating to the incorporation of companies and their organizations, as well as the sale of shares of stock, are registered with the Commission.  SEC ordered the suspensiion of the license of YL Finance Corp. for violating its rules and regulations.  Attempts to determine whether or not the corporation had complied with the 25 percent of network limitation on investments in real estate and in stocks of property corporations proved futile becuase of the non-updated records and non-availability of supporting documents.  Based of SEC's investigations, the company's books of accounts and related accountung records of transactions were not updated. In addition, the firm was maintaining branch or extension offices or units at different addresses in violation of a SEC ruling stating that no financing company shall establish or operate a branch agency, extension office, or unit without a prior certificate of authority to be issued by SEC.  SUBIC BAY METROLPOLITAN AUTHORITY (SBMA) 229 Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Waterfront Road Subic, 2209, Zambales Tel. Nos. : 222-35-63/222-52-78/817-39-94 Fax Nos. : 22-35-63/222-52-78 SBMA is lead agency for the turn-over of the Subic naval base and its facilities. Its functions include : 1) to promulgate the implementing ruels and regulations for Subic Bay; 2) to encourage the participation of the private sector by hastening the development and operations of the various facilities and projects necessary to fully implement the plan; and 3) to transform the former US base into a center of economic development.  What's New??  SBMA recently unveiled the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) subsystem component of its Emergency Response System.  The subsystem combines the precise technology of the Global Positioning System (GPS) with state-of-the-art tracking and wireless data communication capabilities.  Emergency response vehicles from various SBMA departments, such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and shore patrol boats, have been equipped with special GPS equipment and integrated into one complete system.  Chairman and Administrator - Richard J. Gordon TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD RESOURCE CENTER (TLRC) TLRC Bldg., Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City Tel. Nos. : 895-98-11 to 15 Fax No. : 899-01-42 Main functions - 1) To serve as the government corporation mandated as the technology delivery arm for the science and technology sector; and 2) to identify, source, process, study, utilize, commercialize, promote, popularize, and disseminate appropriate technologies which will enhance urban and rural socioeconomic and livelihood development.  Director-General - Andres V. Sanchez, Jr. VIDEOGRAM REGULATORY BOARD 9th Floor, Agustin I Bldg., Emerald Avenue, Pasig City Tel. Nos. : 631-30-08/631-74-91 Fax No. : 631-56-27 Main functions - 1) To oversee the regulations and development of video industry in the country and ensure the maintenance of the videogram as a wholesome medium of entertainment for the people; and 2) to regulate the importation, exportation, production, reproduction, distribution, exhibition, showing, sale, lease, or disposition of videograms, including videotapes, discs, cassettes, or technical improvements or variations thereof.  Chairman - Javier D. Carbonell AGRI BUSINESS Feed Formulation Jan. 27-29 (9-5:30).  Swine Production Feb. 1-5 (9-5:30).  Integrated Cattle Production Feb. 8-9 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip.  Broiler Production Feb. 8-10 (9-4) with fieldtrip.  AQUA BUSINESS Mud Crab (Alimango) Juvenile Rearing, Fattening and Grow-out Culture Feb. 1-2 (9-4).  Tilapia Culture Feb. 8 (9-5:30) Feb. 9 (1-5:30) Feb. 10 (9-2) with fieldtrip.  HOME BUSINESS Fruit and Vegetable Carving Jan.27 (9-5:30).  Dried Floral Arrangement Jan. 27-28 (9-5:30).  Handmand Paper Novelty Items Jan. 27-28 or Feb. 10-11 (9-5:30) Bring ruler and scissors.  Curtains and Cushions (On-Site) Jan. 27-29 (9-5:30) Bring sewing kit.  Commercial Breadmaking and Bakery Management Jan. 27-30 (9-5:30). (Limited to 21 participants) Bring calculator, apron and canister.  Assorted Brownies, Cookies and Bars Jan. 28-29 or Feb. 5-6 (9-5:30).  Duck Egg Processing Jan. 29 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip.  Jewelry Appraisal and Gold Plating Jan. 29-30 or Feb. 8-9 (9-5:30) Bring pocket calculator.  Handmade Paper Packaging (gift packaging) Jan. 29-30 (9-5:30) Bring scissors, ruler and cutter.  Fastfood Business Operation Jan. 30-31 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip. Paper Recycling Jan. 31 (9-5:30).  Hotdog Production and Pilot Processing Plant Operation (On-site) Jan. 31 (9-5:30).  Industrial and Preventive Maintenance Chemicals Jan. 31 (9-5:30).  Catering Business Operation Feb. 1-2 (9-5:30).  Laundry Soap and Detergent Feb. 1-2 (9-5:30).  Homebakeshop Specialty Products Feb. 1-2, 8-9 (9-5:30).  Operating a Retail Store Business Feb. 1-4 (9-5:30).  Herbal Soap Feb. 3 (9-5:30).  Pastillas Making Feb. 3-4 (9-5:30).  Wood Framing Feb. 3-4 or Feb. 15-16 (9-5:30) Bring cutter, ruler and pictures for framing (Limited to 12 participants) Please call to verify sizes of articles to bring for framing.  Bath Soap Feb. 4 (9-5:30).  Novelty Giveaways for Special Occasions Feb. 5-6 (9-5:30) Bring scissors.  Basic Course on Waitering and Bartering Feb. 5-6 (9-5:30).  Aluminum Anodizing Feb. 6-7 (9-5:30).  Basic Cake Decorating Feb. 6-7 (9-5:30).  Custom-Made Dresses and Dress Shop Operation (on-site) Feb. 6-9 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip.  Basic Meat Processing Feb. 8-9 (9-5:30) Bring apron and hand towels.  Fabric/Paper Flower Making Feb. 8-9 (9-5:30) Bring scissors.  Silkscreen Printing Feb. 8-11 (9-5:30) Bring technical pen and ink.  NEW COURSES Bakeshop Operations, Systems and Procedure Feb. 13-14 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip. Lard and Margarine Feb. 20-21 (9-5:30).  Brackish Water Culture of Tilapia Feb. 22-23 (9-5:30) with fieldtrip.  CAROLL (Cattle Raising on Limited Land) Feb. 26-28 (9-4) with fieldtrip.  Copyright © 1997 PHNet Unit 112 Chateau Verde Condo, E. Rodriguez Ave., Bagong-ilog, Pasig City, Tel: (632) 671-8046/48 Fax: (632) 671-8047 comments and suggestions? mail the webmaster! All logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.