Preamble
WHEREAS, the development and growth of our farm, forest, fishery, and certain mineral resources is a matter of national concern; WHEREAS, research is necessary to determine the alternative means of achieving national goals in the development of our agricultural and natural resources or to identify the best means among the alternatives; WHEREAS, mines are a natural resource which is one of the top foreign exchange earners of the country; WHEREAS, there is a need to wisely utilize this exhaustible resource; WHEREAS, mines research is best done in relation to agricultural, forestry, and fisheries resources in order to consider their combined effects in maintaining a favorable ecological balance; WHEREAS, there is a need to strengthen the system and capability for mines research in the country; and WHEREAS, this can best be done through the existing body which now monitors, coordinates, and manages all research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in the country; 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 decree and order the following: