Preamble
WHEREAS, pursuant to the policy of the state to create every possible opportunity in every part of the country, with particular stress on those areas whose economic development, for one reason or another lagged behind the rest of the nation, Presidential Decree No. 356 dated December 27, 1973, was promulgated creating the province of Basilan; Whereas, under said decree, the particular needs of the city of Basilan from the point of view of making the same financially viable at least for the purpose of rendering essential public service, appear not to have been considered ; and WHEREAS, as a result thereof, the envisioned speedy development was hampered by some factors which unless remedied would render futile all attempts of said local government units to respond to the problems of and provide adequate service to the residents of the area. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by Constitution, do hereby decree and order the amendment of Presidential Decree No. 356 dated December 27, 1973, as follows: