We have just left Bacolod on the way to Tagbilaran, Bohol. We are right now on a south. I am having a massage specially the small of my back which has been aching lately. Thus the almost illegible scrawl.
It has been a most stimulating day complete with riotous crowds mobbing us, specially Imelda, a conference with the governors, congressmen and the mayors on their problems.
We just came from a ball at the Provincial Capitol where we danced most affectionately. For the first time the whole family danced in public, of course, the children needed a little prodding.
But the reception was an eye-opener even for my own men like Blas Ople.
If Imelda ever is a candidate she would be unbeatable. For this is Lopez country. The governor Alfredo Montelibano Jr., son of Piding [Alfredo Montelibano Sr.], is the son-in-law of Nanding [Fernando] Lopez, my Vice President, but he, the governor says that he became governor without the help of the Lopezes (in fact he claims he lost in all the Lopezes farms and sugar mills).
He has repeatedly told me that he is a Marcos man.
And the reaction of the people to us has been spontaneous and free, boisterous and warm.
It was a most successful sortie.
PRESIDENT MARCOS arrived in Bacolod City in the morning, where he was guest of honor and speaker at the opening of the Public Schools Interscholastic Athletic Association meet.
A big crowd led by officials of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental was on hand to welcome the President and the First Lady, Imelda R. Marcos, on their arrival at the city wharf on board the RPS 777. With the First Couple were their children Imee, Bongbong and Irene.
After exchanging greetings with his welcomers, the President motored to the city cathedral where Te Deum was sung in his honor. The President then proceeded to the Paglaum sports complex for the opening of the sports festival.
In his speech, the President pledged that the development of athletics at all levels will be given priority, saying that “it is in athletics that we find perhaps the secrets of discipline that is needed today.”
The President also gave assurance that the powers of the presidency would continue to be utilized for the continuation of the Philippine’s sugar quota in the American market.
He hailed the sugar industry for pioneering in the manifestation and demonstration of concern for the toiling masses, citing the Sugar Industry Social and Economic Development Fund, to be generated from contributions of P1.00 for every picul of sugar produced.
On the country’s security and economic condition, the President said that while the riots and demonstrations may prejudice temporarily, they do not threaten the stability of the government or affect economic development.
“Your government is stable and capable of maintaining its stability not only with force but with persuasion,” he said.