Preamble
WHEREAS, it has become imperative to prevent the further deterioration of the Pasig River which has resulted due to the indiscriminate disposal of wastes into the river, due to the lack of proper maintenance and due to the inadequacy of systems of control over the use of the waterways of the river: WHEREAS, the innate beauty and aesthetic qualities of the Pasig River and its banks remain overshadowed and consequently untapped on account of the continued existence of obstructions and eyesores right along the river and its banks; WHEREAS, by bringing out its natural and potential beauty through the cleansing of its waters of the clutters of wastes and debris likewise by ridding it of the pollutants that surround it, the Pasig River could become a major tourist attraction, providing a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for the country; WHEREAS, the Pasig River holds a strong influence on the socio-economic development of the areas around it and that to date this recognized potential has not yet been tapped; and WHEREAS, the current thrusts of development point to the need to tap the talent resources of the river by improving the carrying characteristics of its waterways and properly controlling its use as drainage and navigational channel to make it a major thoroughfare for maritime transport ; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972, as amended, do hereby order and decree: