WHEREAS, our forest resources are essential to the welfare of our people and the economic well-being of our country;

WHEREAS, wanton destruction of these resources has been going on through illegal kai gin making and destructive logging practices;

WHEREAS, the evil aftermath of such destruction is now seen in the loss of soil fertility in areas depleted of forests, in unregulated flow of rivers resulting into destructive floods and failure of irrigation systems during periods of critical need, in unfavorable climatic conditions and in the general hardship of our people;

WHEREAS, it has become necessary not only to stop such destruction but also to find ways and means for the orderly utilization and proper conservation of these resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RAMON MAGSAYSAY, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby call a Forestry Conference in Manila from September 30 to October 1, 1954, and designate the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources to formulate plans, to take charge of, and coordinate all activities relative to it and empowering him to call upon any agency or instrumentality of the Government for such assistance he may require for the purpose.

Done in the City of Manila, this 10th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the Philippines, the ninth.

[SEAL]

(Sgd.) RAMON MAGSAYSAY
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(Sgd.) FRED RUIZ CASTRO
Executive Secretary