Preamble
WHEREAS, the social and economic progress of the country is highly dependent on the proper development, control and utilization of its total water resources; WHEREAS, as the country progresses and the population increases, there will develop, as has been experienced, keener competition and conflict of interest among water users; and WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for a well-integrated and coordinated planning and prosecution of projects, including an expanded effort in the continuing task of water resources survey and appraisal, in order to achieve an orderly and scientific development as well as optimum utilization and control of our water resources to meet the present and future water needs of the country; 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: