Preamble
WHEREAS, the present thrust of government is centered on increasing food production for our growing population as well as commercial crops for dollar earnings, etc.; WHEREAS, intensification of food production is premised on the proper identification of production inputs as fertilizers, soil amendments, and high-yielding varieties; WHEREAS, the accurate and timely determination of soil fertility expressed in terms of fertilizer and soil amendment requirements can adequately be provided by soil testing laboratories; WHEREAS, improper identification and utilization of the aforementioned production inputs will result in depressed yields and/or excessive costs thereby causing low farm productivity detrimental to small farmers as well as to the national economy; WHEREAS, there is a need to standardize soil testing methodologies, integrate and coordinate soil laboratory activities for maximum efficient utilization of resources; WHEREAS, the Bureau of Soils is by law, the agency responsible for the maintenance and operation of soil laboratories throughout the country and possesses the technical expertise and facilities to adequately execute such services; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree the following: