Preamble
WHEREAS, coral resources are known to exist beneath territorial waters and in the marine economic zone of the Philippines; WHEREAS, the exploitation of these resources, especially the precious coral varieties, will bring revenue to the country and generate employment in the processing and utilization of these resources; WHEREAS, it is necessary that the exploration, exploitation, utilization and conservation of these resources be properly regulated to insure the preservation of the country's marine environment; WHEREAS, conservation of ordinary corals is necessary for the preservation of the natural breeding ground, habitat or abode of fishes and other marine organisms; WHEREAS, ordinary corals are natural protection of the shore and adjacent infrastructure against destructive effects of wave erosion; WHEREAS, there is a need to fully implement the policies established in Presidential Decree No. 1219; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to reorient these policies with the realities and conditions of our coral reef resources; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: