Preamble
WHEREAS, there is need for up-to-date and accurate information for the formulation of resource policies, as well as for the effective and efficient planning for the development and conservation of the country's natural resources and the protection of the environment; WHEREAS, there are rapidly developing technologies for gathering and interpreting information relative to the inventory, assessment, and monitoring of the country's natural resources such as the use of aircraft and satellite-borne sensors, computerized imagery interpretation and data banking techniques; WHEREAS, proper utilization of such technologies will enhance the capability to formulate effective plans for economic development; and WHEREAS, in order to avail of these technologies, there is a pressing need for the creation of an agency which shall be responsible for their utilization and through which the capability of the nation to use these technologies for resource planning and monitoring can be developed. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order: