1:40 AM Dec. 28th
On board the 777 on the
way to Currimao, Ilocos Norte
from Agoo, La Union which we
Official Gazette for December 27, 1972: GOVERNMENT AGRICULTURAL extension officers are now campaigning for the planting of vegetables which can be canned or preserved. This move is aimed at averting the possible oversupply of certain kinds of vegetables causing the lowering of prices to an unprofitable level. Prod by the Green Revolution project of the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, thousands of housewives, youths, employes and other people have turned backyards into lush vegetable gardens. These amateur gardeners have planted almost the same kind of vegetable—the fast growing leafy type like pechay, cabbage, lettuce and others, which do not last long. To keep the enthusiasm of the new vegetable raisers alive, government fieldmen are helping gardeners to switch from leafy to fruit vegetables which can be preserved for future use. Among such vegetables are ampalaya, eggplant, cucumber and others which can be made into pickles, as well as mungo and some beans which can be kept without preservatives until they are needed.
CONGRESS SHOULD CONVENE in regular session on January 22 as provided for by the present Constitution, according to Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal. Section 9, Article VI of the present Constitution provides that the “Congress shall convene in regular session once every year on the fourth Monday of January, unless a different date is fixed by law . . . . ” Speaker Villareal suggested that with the postponement of the plebiscite, Congress should convene. However, the House leader said that since the country is in a state of emergency and under Martial Law, “there should be sincere cooperation and coordination between Congress and the Executive Department. “I would suggest, Mr. Villareal said, “that Congress act in consonance with present circum stances and may pass measures certified by the President, which would strengthen the ability of our government to cope with the present emergency and to develop a New Society.”
SOME 17 POLLING places located in the barrios of Isabela were ordered transferred to the poblaciones by the Comelec upon recommendation of local election registrars who reported that most of the inhabitants m these barrios had moved out to the poblaciones as a result of military operations launched by the government against rebel groups. Chairman Jaime N. Ferrer said the Comelec may make similar moves with respect to polling places in several barrios in Cotabato, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte where resurgence of unrest were also recently reported.
SOME 118 insurgents and sympathizers reaffirmed their loyalty to the government before military and municipal officials in a ceremony held near the Death March monument in Capas, Tarlac. The surrenderors who came from seven barrios in the formerly insurgent dominated towns of Concepcion and Capas, Tarlac, took their oath of loyalty before Brig. Gen. Tomas Diaz, 1st PC zone commander. Their surrender was arranged by Capas Mayor Gerardo David and Bamban Mayor Pedro Mendiola. Their surrender brought to 415 the total number of surrenderors in four weeks in Tarlac alone.
IMPORTANCE OF FARMERS, dairy men and rural broadcasters in bringing about the success of the New Society, was cited by Secretary of Public Information Francisco S. Tatad. “We need to produce more and we can do this by disseminating scientific methods of farming and production to make our economy more viable and more stable,” Secretary Tatad said in an extemporaneous speech before the Rural Broadcasters Council which conducts daily programs for farmers from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on scientific farming and production methods. Mr. Tatad was in ducting official of the new set of officers of the council.
PRESIDENT MARCOS sent a message of condolence to the widow of former U.S. President Harry S. Truman who died after a long illness. The message: “The Filipino people join me in extending to you our deepest sympathy in your hour of grief. President Truman served not only the American people during his years in the presidency; he also stood for the rest of the world as a worker for peace among- peoples and among nations. Even in time of war, he never allowed the aggression of others to diminish his concern for peace and justice. His passing has deprived all of us of a great leader and a good man. We will always remember him as a sincere and devoted friend.”
left at 11:00 PM
We are having a beautiful vacation. But the Dept. of Info announced I am in the South looking over the local situation after ex Gov. Udtog Matalam’s reparation [?].
Left Manila about 8:30 PM. Had engine trouble (bolt of the rocker arm of the right engine loosened) at about 11:30 PM south of Subic Bay.
Arrived off the Hundred Islands at 10:30 AM this morning. Bongbong and Miguelito [Vazquez] were already skiing around the ship when I went up to the deck.
Went to Quezon Island about two miles off, took the helicopter with Imee and Irene and Imelda with Bongbong and Miguelito in the other and flew around the string of islands that look like mushrooms on the sea or green snails on top of the blue water. Then skied with Bongbong around the islands. Lunch in the windy island on lobster, crabs, shrimps, ararusip, banac, armang and fresh tomatoes.
Gifts for everyone. Maligayang Pasko bags and wallets. Then left for Agoo at about 3:00 PM. Bongbong and Miguelito skiing all the way to the ship.
Arrived off Agoo at about 4:10 PM. Ticklish operation for Imelda to negotiate ship to shore (PCF [Patrol Craft Fast] to the power boat then carried on a chair to shore).
The nipa house at Sta. Rita, Agoo is a haven. Wide long beach, cool air, friendly people, isolated from the town and fresh sea food—malaga, armang (the smallest shrimps) eel; and frogs, marungay—fresh coconuts.
[Jose] Joe Aspiras, Gov. [Juvenal] Guerrero, Titing [Joaquin] Ortega and Mayor [Ferreria?] were there.