Preamble
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to create, develop, maintain and improve conditions under which man can be most productive and to insure the attainment of an environmental quality that enhances his dignity and well-being; WHEREAS, in the pursuit of economic and development activities of individuals, partnerships and corporations engaged in the exploration, development, exploitation and utilization of natural resources, as well as in the construction of infrastructure projects, it is inevitable that said activities, if left uncontrolled, will cause irreparable damage and deterioration to the natural environment; WHEREAS, the cumulative environmental effects of these activities, if left uncontrolled, will cause irreparable damage and deterioration to the natural environment; 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 the following: