Presidential Decree No. 1067, s. 1976 | Official Gazette of the Republic o... https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1976/12/31/presidential-decree-no-10... ARTICLE 2. The objectives of this Code are: a. To establish the basic principles and framework relating to the appropriation, control and conservation of water resources to achieve the optimum development and rational utilization of these resources; b. To deane the extent of the rights and obligations of water users and owners including the protection and regulation of such rights; c. To adopt a basic law governing the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources and rights to land related thereto; and d. To identify the administrative agencies which will enforce this Code. ARTICLE 3. The underlying principles of this code are: a. All waters belong to the State. b. All waters that belong to the State can not be the subject to acquisitive prescription. c. The State may allow the use or development of waters by administrative concession. d. The utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water resources shall be subject to the control and regulation of the government through the National Water Resources Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council. e. Preference in the use and development of waters shall consider current usages and be responsive to the changing needs of the country. ARTICLE 4. Waters, as used in this Code, refers to water under the grounds, water above the ground, water in the atmosphere and the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines. ARTICLE 5. The following belong to the State: a. Rivers and their natural beds; b. Continuous or intermittent waters of springs and brooks running in their natural beds and the beds themselves; CHAPTER II Ownership of Waters 2 of 21 31.05.21, 19:45