Preamble
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Government to foster and accelerate the balanced growth of the Mindanao, Sulu archipelago and Palawan for the national economic, social and political stability; WHEREAS, surveys and studies indicate a pressing need to accelerate the socio-economic growth and development of the region to make it more responsive to the national plans and policies within the context of national solidarity with the leadership, support and total commitment of the government; WHEREAS, it is further recognized that, ultimately, sustained development of the region will rely heavily on the capabilities of the people of the area to participate in the total effort in undertaking integrated development projects under one authoritative agency; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution do hereby order and decree, as part of the law of the land, the creation of the Southern Philippines Development Administration, as follows: