Preamble
WHEREAS, schistosomiasis is a disease affecting an alarming proportion of our populace; WHEREAS, the areas endemic and potentially endemic to schistosomiasis are scattered in the three major geographic divisions of the country and the disease generally affects the people of the rural areas; WHEREAS, schistosomiasis affects not only the health of farmers and their families, but also, their domestic and work animals thus seriously impairing their productive capabilities; WHEREAS, there is a need for a meaningful and effective coordination of projects and activities to combat and control the disease in order to protect and improve the quality of life of the people, especially those in the areas affected by the disease; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby adopt, approve and make as part of the laws of the land the following: