July 7, 1970

[1] Official Gazette for July 6, 1970: P resident Marcos started the day with his usual state papers to study and act on, but toward noon, he left Malacañang for Camp Crame where he inspected newly-armored vehicles of the Philippine Constabulary. The rest of his day was filled with conferences, mostly private, with various officials, and callers. In-between, he concentrated on the pile of papers on his desk. Leaving Malacañang shortly after 11 a.m., the President motored to Camp Crame, in Quezon City, where he looked over the small fleet of PC armored cars. After the inspection, he asked the AFP to design and implement plans for armoring more military jeeps which are usually used by patrol teams in Central Luzon. He said armored cars are needed to reduce the risk of patrols who have to contend with the modern weapons of dissidents. Returning to Malacañang at 12 noon, the President shortly received Australian Ambassador Francis Hamilton Stuart and Norwegian Ambassador Axel Ivar Lucien Moltke-Hansen, both of whom have completed their tours of duty here as their countries’ envoys and are due for reassignment. The ambassadors paid a farewell call on the President. Among those the President conferred with in private were GSIS General Manager Roman Cruz, Jr., former GSIS General Manager Benjamin del Rosario and Rep. Pablo Roman of Bataan. Others who called on official business included House Majority Floor-leader Marcelino Veloso, Pangasinan Gov. Tito Primicias, Rep. Jose Puyat and Gov. Recaredo Castillo of Surigao del Sur, and Gov. Salvacion Yñiguez of Southern Leyte. The President later designated Luis V. Balili as acting chairman of the Board of Examiners for Mechanical Engineering, to fill the post vacated by ToBias P. Marcelo whose term of office had expired; Jose G. Caburian, as acting member of the Mechanical Engineering board, to succeed Clodeveo Soriano whose term had expired; and Mrs. Ligaya D. Perez as acting member of the Board of Examiners in Optometry, to fill the vacancy caused by the termination of the term of Tomas Abesamis. The President also ordered a thorough inquiry into the root causes of disputes over land areas in Mindanao, with a view to finding the means for permanently solving the problem. Upon the President’s instructions, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. flew to Cotabato on a fact-finding trip.

[2] Official Gazette for July 7, 1970: P resident Marcos had ample time to devote to state papers with only a limited number of callers on his schedule and with no major conferences with officials. Among the early callers were William Harding, the incoming United Nations Development Program resident representative here, who paid his respects. He was accompanied by the UNDP deputy resident representative, Gamil Hamby. Next to see the President were two Filipina beauties from Guam—Florita Ramos who was chosen “Queen of the Marianas;” and Joanne Tai-tano whom the Filipino community in Guam selected as “Miss Sampaguita.” They were accompanied by Salvador Peña, executive director of the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association, and a group of Guam Filipinos. Later in the morning, the President received a mission from the International Secretariat of Entertainment Trade Unions (ISETU), headed by Director General Allan Forest, The group paid a courtesy call on the President following arrival here to organize a regional union affiliated with the ISETU. Among the group who saw the President were J. D. Thomson, secretary general of the Professional Musicians Union of Australia; Harry Bluck, federal vice president of the same organization; and Colin MacDonald, assistant manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission. The group was accompanied by Exequiel Pacis, president of the Philippine Musicians Guild; Alfredo Robles, chairman of the Council of Band Leaders, PMG; and V. J. Buhain. The President also certified 13 more urgent legislative measures for considerations during the second special session of Congress. Raoul Beloso, who heads the Small Settlers Commission, also saw the President to discuss matters pertaining to the work of the commission. In the afternoon and through evening, the President almost exclusively worked on official papers and other state matters requiring his attention and action.

[3] Official Gazette for July 8, 1970: President Marcos said that the crash program to establish at least one cooperative in every municipality could spell either failure or success for the economic development of the country. In extemporaneous remarks before some 150 employees of the Presidential Arm on Community Development (PACD) and the Cooperative Administration Office (CAO), who came to Malacañang from Los Baños where they are taking a course in cooperatives, the President said that cooperatives “are possibly the only salvation of many retarded areas of the economy.” The President spent a normal day of desk work, receiving callers and holding conferences with officials and other parties. In the morning, one of the first groups to see the President was that composed of officers of the Agricultural Cooperative League of the Philippines, who came accompanied by Agriculture Undersecretary Arturo Tanco. The group discussed the cooperatives in the agricultural areas of the country. Later in the day, the President had occasion to pursue this subject further when the PACD and CAO trainees called-on the Chief Executive. The group was accompanied by Secretary of Commerce and Industry Ernesto Maceda and CAO Director Virgilio Pagulayan. Other callers during the day included a delegation of employees of the Rizal Park, who petitioned for a permanent fund to underwrite the payroll and operation expenses of the Park; and Mr. and Mrs. Noble Randolph Woodward of San Diego, California, who paid a courtesy call. Dean Cesar Concio also saw the President on official business. The rest of the President’s workday was spent in studying official reports and scanning other state papers. He signed Executive Order No. 243, which created a National Committee for Mineral Explorations and Survey Operations. The creation of the new body firmed up further the President’s approval last July 2 of the proposal to create an inter-departmental task force for oil exploration, as well as for a survey of other minerals and geothermal resources. On the occasion of Republic Day, the President issued the following-message: “ Twenty – four years ago today, we emerged as a modern republic from the rubble of war to grow into one of the most stable governments of Asia and in the world. July 4, 1946 marks the culmination of our long years of relentless struggle to preserve our freedom and independence as a people. It should not be lost on us that on that day, too, we forged a strong and enduring partnership with the American people in the pursuit of equality and harmony among nations. ” Later in the morning, the President officiated at the ceremony conferring on US Army Maj. Gen. Autrey J. Maroun the Philippine Legion of Honor, rank of commander, for his services to the Philippines as chief of the Military Planning Office of SEATO. The First Lady and Mrs. Maroun along with other prominent guests from Philippine officialdom and the US embassy here attended the ceremony. The rest of the day was devoted by the President to paper work in his study and conferences with officials on various problems of the country. While working on state papers, the President: 1. Created an executive committee to act as the advisory body of the FAO Seminar on Measures to Accelerate Benefits from Water Use at the Farm Level, set for October this year in Quezon City. 2. Amended Executive Order No. 238, issued last May 15, creating the “Commission on Population,” by making the director of the National Media Production Center (NMPC) a member of the commission. 3. Constituted a three-man committee to look into the feasibility of the government acquiring interests in an oil firm in the country.

[4] Official Gazette for July 9, 1970: P resident Marcos discussed the current bank strikes with Secretary of Labor Blas F. Ople in the one conference he had the whole day; had a brief session with a European television reporter; and for a change of pace showed up as co-host at the luncheon given by the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, honoring senators and representatives and their ladies. The rest of his regular day was spent on state papers, among which was the list of appointments he finalized and submitted to the Commission o n Appointments, mostly filling vacancies in the judiciary. The conference with Secretary Ople was also attended by Labor Relations Director Amado Inciong, Bankers Association President Chester Babst, and Philippine Bank of Commerce President Ramon Cojuangco. Ople said that the drawn-out strikes in two Manila banks could be sooner settled if management and labor of the said establishments would only sit down and discuss their differences. The President asked him to expedite this conciliation talks. A little after high noon, the President joined the First Lady and her-guests, composed of senators and representatives and their wives. Also at the luncheon were former President Carlos P. Garcia and Mrs. Garcia. Early in the afternoon, the President received Dieter Seelman of Monitor Film-UND Fernsehproduktion, based in Humburg, Germany, who asked for an interview to be telecast on the program “Turning Point” The President acceded and submitted to a 30-minute taped session. The rest of the day was devoted by the President to urgent state business, in the course of which he vested the Commission on National Integration with the sole authority to administer the 1,012 hectares of land reserved for the Higaonon tribes of Agusan, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

[5] Official Gazette for July 10, 1970: After working on state papers early in the morning, President Marcos received John Hohenberg, a Columbia University professor. The professor interviewed the President. At mid-morning the President presided at the ceremony awarding outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Axel Ivar Lucien Moltke-Hansen the Order of Sikatuna, rank of  Lakan,  for services strengthening the ties between Norway and the Philippines. Present at the rite were ranking Philippine officials led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and members of the diplomatic corps. Towards noon, Datu Ma Falen arrived with his entourage, accompanied by Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile. The Datu, who had earlier surrendered to government authorities, expressly asked to see the President. During the meeting, the President summoned to a conference on Monday those concerned with the Surallah dispute to thresh out their differences and return conditions in the area to normal. The President also moved to redress the grievances of the Manobo tribe headed by Datu Ma Falen, assure their security and provide them with a place all their own to live in. He also ordered the officials concerned to bring to justice all those who have violated the laws as an offshoot of the quarrel in the area. Just before noon, the President inducted Dr. Gerardo Sikat as acting-chairman of the National Economic Council, vice Placido Mapa, Jr., who is director general of the Presidential Economic Staff. Sikat has impressive credentials as an economic scholar and expert. Shortly after 12 noon, the President sat down to a working luncheon with his financial advisers, including Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata, DBP Chairman Leonides S. Virata, PES Director General Placido Mapa, Jr., CB Gov. Gregorio S. Licaros and Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. The President prescribed the procedure in prospecting for and exploiting minerals found in government reservations, other than mining reservations, in an executive order he issued earlier in the morning. In prescribing the procedure, the President observed that: 1. The economic development programs require the progressive and orderly exploitation of mineral resources wherever these may be found. 2. Surveys conducted by the Bureau of Mines and other government and private entities have revealed the existence of promising mineral deposits in various forest, military and national park reservations. 3. It is possible to exploit the mineral wealth in these reservations without deflecting the purpose for which said reservations were originally created. The President resumed his desk work in the afternoon and remained at his desk till early evening when he motored to the Cultural Center where he formally opened the exhibit sponsored by the Philippine Institute of Architects.

[6] Official Gazette for July 11, 1970: P resident Marcos adhered strictly to his usual norm of weekend concentration on state papers and other official business requiring study and early action. Conferring only with officials on urgent matters, the President spent a bigger part of his time alone working at his desk. He did not receive any visitors. Among others, he issued directives pertaining to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the victims of arson in two barrios of Bantay, Ilocos Sur. The President als o received and scanned reports, notably that of the PES which informed him of the publication of handbook for businessmen interested in investing in Philippine economic development. The  Investment Handbook  provides facts and figures on Philippine economic, political and social conditions, the direction of government infrastructure expansion, the investment incentives available, as well as the possibilities of government financial assistance.

[7] Official Gazette for July 12, 1970: P resident Marcos continued focusing on paper work, and disposed of other urgent official papers as well as studied reports from various agencies of the government. He did not receive callers, but made himself available to government officials who consulted him on matters affecting their departments. One of the reports scanned by the President dealt on land and other disputes in South Cotabato. He was scheduled to meet with officials of the province on these problems. Also summoned to attend the conference were PANAMIN Secretary Manuel Elizalde, Jr., Secretary of Justice Felix V. Makasiar, Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, and Brig. Gen. Eduardo Garcia, PC chief.

[8] Official Gazette for July 13, 1970: P resident Marcos met with all parties involved in the continuing land and other problems in Surallah, South Cotabato, to thresh out their differences and map out the measures that could be taken to insure peace and order and harmony in the region. Before the lengthy meeting, the President conferred with Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, Secretary of Justice Felix V. Makasiar and PANAMIN Secretary Manuel Elizalde, Jr. Those who attended the main conference were Secretary Makasiar, Secretary Enrile, Secretary Elizalde, Rep. James Chiongbian, General Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Eduardo Garcia, PC chief; South Cotabato Gov. Sergio Morales and provincial commander Lt. Col Cirilo Bueno; Surallah Mayor Jose Sison and Police Chief Melecio Tapispisan, and Datu Manudal Godwino. Except for a brief interview with newsman Carl Mydans, after the meeting, the President had nothing else on his agenda except paper work, to which he devoted the rest of his work day.

[9] Carl Mydans (1907-2004) was a photographer of Life Magazine from its founding in 1936 till it closed in 1972. His Philippine connection, aside from the iconic photo of Douglas MacArthur in the 1945 Leyte Landing, was that he and his wife Shelley were captured by the Japanese in 1941, interned for a year in Manila, were transferred to Shanghai where they were released in 1943. His son Seth Mydans was New York Times Asia correspondent, once based in Manila who covered the fall of Marcos and its aftermath.

[10] Official Gazette for July 14, 1970: P resident Marcos said that while the primary mission of today’s armies still the defense of their countries, they “must also be productive elements in the enhancement of peaceful pursuits and the betterment of life.” The President was the guest speaker at the closing ceremonies of the air ground gunnery competition between the 405th Fighter Wing of the U.S. 13th Air Force, at the Clark Air Base in Angeles City. In his speech, the President disclosed that the Philippines, has “successfully experimented with the soldier as a builder.’” “Our aim,” he said, “is to make the soldier as much a part of our society as the civilian is, shouldering not a rifle alone but the same burdens that the plain citizen bears—the burdens of nation-building.” Continuing, the President said of the military: “They must be knowledgeable about so many scholarly disciplines, including politics, economics and technology, not to mention psychology and human relations. Soldiers must be fighters as well as technicians.” To be able to fulfill their primary defense mission, he stated the armed forces “must constantly hone their skills, constantly seek to elevate the standards of professionalism, constantly upgrade their readiness for field duty.” “Only those who can wear the badge of excellence may be called true soldiers,” the President concluded. The President arrived at Clark Air Base at about 9:40 a.m., with his son, Ferdinand (Bongbong) Jr., coming along as an interested observer. The President was originally scheduled to fly to the base but was forced to go by car because of inclement weather. The President proceeded direct to the base airfield where U.S. embassy and military officials headed by Ambassador Henry Byroade and Lt. Gen. McNickle, the Air Base commander, awaited him. After acknowledging the ruffles and flourishes offered by an honor guard, the President was escorted to Kelly Theatre where the ceremonies were held. At the four-day gunnery competition, the Philippine Air Force contingent won four out of six trophies, including the coveted President Marcos trophy for over-all group championship. After refreshments at the base officers club, the President and his party motored back to Manila. He arrived at the Palace shortly after 1 p.m. After a late lunch, the President had a brief rest. At about 3:30 p.m., the President started working in his private study, in the course of which he directed the National Water and Air Pollution Control Commission (NWAPCC) to submit immediately a pollution control program, as well as guidelines for its implementation. He broke off at 5:30 p.m. to receive representatives of the striking jeepney drivers, who were accompanied to Malacañang by Secretary of Labor Blas F. Ople and their legal counsel, Lupino Lazaro. The President succeeded in prevailing on the drivers to call off their strike, and assured them, that he would actively seek a reduction in the price of gasoline, the main issue of the strike. He also ordered a study of the proposal of the jeepney drivers for the establishment of cooperative gasoline stations, to be owned and run by jeepney drivers.

[11] “ Maharlika” directed by Jerry Hopper, was a film, produced by Luis Nepomuceno, and shot in the Philippines depicting the war-time exploits of Ferdinand Marcos. The female lead Dovie Beams went public about her two-year affair with Marcos.

[12] Official Gazette for July 15, 1970: P resident Marcos held three conferences which he fitted into his day’s schedule, while also coping with his usual heavy paper work. Topped by a three-hour caucus with NP members of Congress, the other meetings had to do with the move by the gasoline dealers to close shop as protest against the oil companies’ high prices; and with the petitions of a new group of government employees seeking greater representation in governmental activities. In the NP caucus, the President discussed the legislative program of the administration, urging specially a more ‘aggressive NP effort to pass pending urgent bills. Also present at this meeting were members of the Cabinet. Among the prominent NPs attending were Speaker Jose B. Laurel, Jr., Speaker Protempore Jose Aldeguer and House Majority Floorleader Marcelino Veloso. Earlier the President received a delegation representing gasoline dealers in Greater Manila, led by Col. Emiliano Ozaeta. The President prevailed upon the dealers to continue operations while he threshed out their differences with the oil companies. Secretary of Commerce and Industry Ernesto Maceda accompanied the group. The employees’ group was led by Romeo Roy, president of the newly organized Philippine Alliance of Government Employees. The delegation sought representation in the GSIS and the SSS boards, while also proposing a 35 percent across-the-board pay increase for civil servants. The President said that he will study their proposals. After the caucus with the NP congressmen, which ended at about 3 p.m., the President rested briefly, then went back to his study to work on state papers. He remained at his desk through the afternoon and evening.

[13] Official Gazette for July 16, 1970: P resident Marcos conferred with executives of local oil companies and representatives of cement manufacturers. The President also received provincial delegations who apprised him of problems in their respective localities. In response to his appeal for assistance to dealers of gasoline and other oil products, as well as to drivers of buses and jeepneys, the oil executives assured the President that they will meet their dealers and find out their needs and problems, and extend help. The President also discussed with the gasoline executives a plan to put up a trust fund to which the oil companies will contribute some ₱5 million. The fund will provide hospitalization and other benefits for drivers of public conveyances. In his meeting with cement manufacturers, the President was briefed on the problems of the industry, particularly the problems related to exportation. The cement men are eyeing export deals in view of the inability of the domestic market to absorb local production. The President directed Chairman Leonides S. Virata of the Development Bank of the Philippines and Governor Gregorio S. Licaros of the Central Bank to sit down with the cement manufacturers and work out solutions to the problems of the industry, including over-production. Rep. Ali Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte led a delegation of mayors from his province to see the President. The mayors sought assistance for their respective municipalities. The President received callers until 1:30 p.m., with the delegations headed by Gov. Henry Regalado of Misamis Occidental and Gov. Virgilic Lacaya of Zamboanga del Norte among the last batch to see him. The group of gasoline executives which met with the President in the morning was composed of S. O. Abellera of Getty, J. J. Wolahan and Francis Ablan of Caltex, Lucio Mazzei of Shell, Ramon del Rosario and Jose Chuidian of Filoil. William Potts of Esso and Robert Wales of Mobil. The group of cement manufacturers included Jesus Cabarrus of Island Cement, Ramon del Rosario of Bacnotan, Eduardo Escobar of Filipinas, Aurelio Montinola, Jr. of Republic and Vicente Ponce of Mindanao Cement. Among other actions, the President forwarded to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation 69 nominations to posts in the judiciary and the Land Registration Commission, mostly to fill existing vacancies in the two agencies. Of the nominees, four are slated for municipal judgeship, three are clerks of court; 55 as chairman or members of provincial and city boards of assessment appeals, and seven as Registers of Deeds. ( L ist of Nominees in OG .) The President also approved the 88 appointments to the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Of those appointed, one is as captain in the corps of professors; 10 are first lieutenants in the judge advocate general’s service, medical corps, dental service, and chaplain service; 64 are second lieutenants in the Philippine Army, Philippine Constabulary, Philippine Air Force, Nurse Corps, and Medical Corps; and eight are ensigns in the Philippine Navy.

[14] Official Gazette for July 17, 1970: P resident Marcos worked most of the day on state papers with only-one important meeting, that with members of the House ways and means committee headed by Rep. Natalio P. Castillo. The committee called on him in the morning to discuss the Corporate Income Tax bill, to which an alternate measure was proposed by Internal Revenue Commissioner Misael Vera, which would embody the provision that business corporations be (grouped into specific categories for the purpose of systematizing the payment of taxes. The conference also took up other pending administration measures in Congress, with an eye to speeding up congressional action on them. Among those at the meeting were Reps. Artemio Loyola of Davao del Sur, Roberto Montelibano of Negros Occidental, Felipe Almazan of Kalinga-Apayao, Pablo Roman of Bataan, Lorenzo Sarmiento of Davao del Norte, Andres Cosalan of Benguet, Mariano Pefiaflorida of Iloilo, Roberto Diokno of Batangas, Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental, Gaudencio Beduya of Cebu, Roberto Sabido of Albay, Jose M. Alberto of Catanduanes, Marcelino Veloso of Leyte and Jose Neri of Camiguin. The rest of his working day was devoted to official capers, the volume of which necessitated a proxy for a speech the President had earlier set at the blessing and unveiling rites in Muntinglupa prisons, in connection with the commemoration of political prisoners who died at the national penitentiary during World War II. Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile read the President’s speech which called on Filipinos who value their freedom to stand fast against the encroachment of an alien ideology. The President remained at his desk through the evening. He had no other visitors on his schedule.

[15] Official Gazette for July 18, 1970: P resident Marcos called on the private sector to assume a bigger share of the necessary task of informing the public of important issues and events, adding, however, that this duty must be performed “honestly and truthfully.” The President underscored the importance of information in a speech delivered at the annual convention of the Radio-TV Federation of the Philippines this morning, at the opening ceremonies held at the DBP auditorium, in Makati, Rizal. He pointed out the need for constant communication with the people, particularly on the aims of government, “if we are to expect a high quality and degree of mass support, which alone can make possible democratic growth.” The President stressed that the underlying element needed to fulfill the people’s aspirations is unity; first, a unity of purpose, then a unity of effort. However, the said, to discover the purpose there must be a consensus which only a full understanding of the problems and the resources of the nation can bring about. On returning to Malacañang near noon, the President resumed his paperwork. Among others, ha ordered the NBI to probe new reports of violence in Ilocos Sur, in connection with the Bantay case; and dashed off a letter to Manila Mayor Antonio J. Villegas, in response to a published request by Villegas for the turnover of the city’s esteros to city hall. In his letter, the President said that only Congress can authorize such turnover. The President worked through the afternoon and evening at his desk, except for a brief moment of rest. He did not receive any visitors.

[16] Official Gazette for July 19, 1970: P resident Marcos said that the primary target of the administration now is the development of a well-balanced agro-industrial economy. The President told a visiting political science professor that the country is now engaged in the task of increasing and diversifying exports and decreasing imports. The President said that with the stoppage of car imports the government expects to encourage local car assemblers to put up local plants to use local materials wherever possible in the assembly of cars. Later, the President held the first conference of the air with student leaders and local government officials to discuss national and local problems. The conference which was conducted through the facilities of the ABS-CBN radio was participated in by, among others, Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas, Mayors Angel Tiongco of Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Floro Roxas of Limay, Bataan, and Edgar Jopson of the National Union of Students of the Philippines, with Johnny de Leon as moderator. During the conference, the President discussed with the conferees the improvement of the quality of education and the school problems in general, the flood control plans for Manila, and the release of funds for public works.

[17] Quijano de Manila, writing in the Philippines Free Press of July 1970 [available online], provides the background to this issue between the Malacañang Press Corps and the Malacañang Press Office under Francisco Tatad and Lorenzo J. Cruz. See “Kit and Larry: The boys in the back room.” He details the power struggle between a Palace faction led by Jacobo Clave and Jake Tuvera against them who were recommended by Blas Ople, in addition to Nereo Andolong who wanted tatad’s position.

[18] Official Gazette for July 20, 1970: P resident Marcos had ample time to whittle down the pile of state papers on his desk, with his schedule, totally clear of visitors. He concentrated on studying reports from various officials and agencies, assessing various recommendations on appointments to vacant posts, and otherwise coping with state document and concerns. Among other reports, he received one from Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. on the proposal for an extended survey of geothermal resources in Tiwi, Albay, and ordered a wider survey to include other areas where the same sources may be found and harnessed to development programs. The President designated Jesus L. Reyna as acting: chairman of the Board of Examiners for Master Plumbers, thus completing the composition of the board in time for the examinations scheduled by the board for plumber s. Through the day, the President remained at his desk, seeing only close aides and officials for consultation.

[19] Official Gazette for July 21, 1970: P resident Marcos underscored the need for cooperation and understanding among Asian nations, in a speech delivered at the ceremonies laying the cornerstone of the Asian Reinsurance Building in Makati, Rizal. “We must increasingly break down barriers of communication, fear and mistrust,” he told the audience which included representatives of 12 Asian insurance firms and governments, counting the Philippines, adding that the “tension that have convulsed our continent should be healed and understanding should be made to flow throughout the region.” Regional cooperation, he said, is the concern not only of Asian governments but of the Asian peoples, and should be the goal of both the state and private business. Starting the day with his usual session with official papers, the President at about mid-morning hied himself to the ceremonial room to receive the papers of the new Australian envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador James Charles Ingram. In his remarks, the President noted the remarkable rapport between Australia and the Philippines, in the pursuit of common objectives designed to strengthen regional defense and cooperation. He also thanked Australia for the training it has given Filipinos in various industrial skills under the Colombo Plan. After the formalities, the President relaxed with the Little League Baseball Team of the Philippines, who called to pay its respects before leaving to participate in a series of games to pick the Pacific Area representative to the world championship series in the US. The team members, accompanied by Felipe Monserrat, ranged in age 9-to-12, and included Salvador Salacup, Jimmy Bunaga, Armando Bunye, Elpidio Calinagan, Ramiro Carlos, Napoleon Esteban, Alejandro Prudo, Hermogenes Geli, Rolando Pacujan, Luisito Tolentino, Jr., Jesus de Mesa, Ramon Estipular, Fernando Dalmacio and Ramon Altaveros. The President asked the baseball sprites to be as topflight goodwill ambassadors for their country as they should be first-rate baseballers. Aside from receiving an array of callers, notably Gov. Anacleto Alcala of Quezon province, the President inducted Vice Gov. Ramon Villalon, Jr. as acting governor of La Union while Gov. Juvenal Guerrero is abroad for about three months.Among those who witnessed t h e ceremony were Sen. Magnolia Antonino, Reps. Jose D. Aspiras and Joaquin Ortega, Mrs. Villalon, and close friends and relatives of the Villalons. In the afternoon, the President interrupted his desk work to be guest of honor at the laying of the cornerstone of the Asian Reinsurance Building in Makati, Rizal. In the evening, the President and the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, honored Asian insurance commissioners and local insurance executives at a simple reception.

[20] Official Gazette for July 22, 1970: P resident Marcos followed more or less his usual daily schedule, which begins with a protracted early morning stint at his desk, to scan the papers piled up for the day and act on them. Then he begins receiving the callers listed on his schedule. First among those to see the President in the morning was US Ambassador Henry Byroade who discussed matters of mutual interest to the US and the Philippines. The hour-long meeting was held behind close doors. The President later received the special mission of the Department of Labor scheduled to depart for countries in Asia and the Pacific, and as far afield as the US West Coast and two cities in Canada, to contact Filipino workers and explain the advantages of the dollar remittance plan of the government as well as the dollar deposits in major RP banks, recently approved for adoption. The mission members who saw the President were Labor Undersecretary Raoul Inocentes, mission chairman; Alfredo V. Antiporda of the Central Bank, Isidoro M. Villanos of the Philippine National Bank and Cresencio M. Siddayao of the Department of Labor. Then the President inducted J. B. Tagorda as deputy commissioner of public highways, filling a long vacant post. The President also designated Secretary of Education Onofre D. Corpuz chairman of the Commission on Population. The commission was created by the President last May to formulate program recommendations relating to the economic and social development of the country. Other callers received by the President were Reps. Artemio Loyola of Davao del Sur, Eduardo Gullas of Cebu and Pablo Malasarte of Bohol who came with Gov. Lino Chacto of the same province. The officials consulted with the President on their respective local problems. The rest of the President’s working day was spent at his desk. He directed the National Library officials to assist in the organization or strengthening of libraries maintained by offices of the executive department. In his directive, the President pointed out the need for the maximum use and maintenance of libraries serving offices under the executive department. He particularly instructed the National Library officials to look into the proper acquisitioning, accessioning, circulation, and preservation of books, periodicals, and other publications purchased with government funds. Later in the afternoon, the President approved the commissions given to 14 individuals in the reserve force of the Philippine Navy, as well as the promotions for 238 inactive reserve officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The commissioned navy officers are graduates of the Naval Officer’s Qualifications Course. Of the AFP reserve officers promoted, six are to the rank of lieutenant colonel, 91 to major, 68 to captain and 73 to first lieutenant.