Rice ______ and donations—This morning we signed the ______ of $ 1 million dollars worth of rice from Japan. Ambassador [Toshio] Urabe was present. This plus the 50,000 tons from Nationalist China and 50,000 tons from Thailand. Since then payable over 10 and 12 years with three years grace period shall have about P100 million for the funding of RCA [Rice and Corn Administration] ______ for agricultural recovery for at least 3 years.
Protein—IRRI [International Rice Research Institute] is trying to produce rice with protein in a new variety of miracle rice. For there is a grave deficiency of protein in the diet of the Filipino. This may be partially the cause of the national indolence.
This morning Imelda and I attended the Poultry, Hog and Cattle Production celebration at GMTFM [Greater Manila Food Terminal Market].
Steel—The Jacintos have been notified that there will be a foreclosure on IISMI [Iligan Integrated Steel Mills Inc.]. They probably will try to compromise. They have ______ the IISMI and the government long enough. In ______ alone the government paid P150 million of their indebtedness to ______ and interest on their loan.
Official Gazette for May 15, 1971 President Marcos was guest of honor and speaker at the closing ceremonies of the Livestock, Piggery and Poultry Week and National Agricultural Fair held at the Greater Manila Terminal Food Market. In his speech, the President urged the intensification of animal production, saying that it is one of the greatly deficient areas of production in the country. The President also congratulated the officials and industrial leaders responsible for the holding of the Fair.
The President said that national problems like unrest, reform, medical indigency, or pollution control can be solved through production. “If each and every child, man or woman produces something, no matter how modest or small,” the President said, “he will be able to solve all our problems.” He said production means increased income for the farmers who need not beg for food or clothing, but could afford to send their children to school and live comfortably.
Before motoring to the GMTFM, the President witnessed the signing of the deed covering the donation of $1 million worth of rice by the Japanese government to the Philippine government. The document was signed by Ambassador Toshio Urabe on behalf of the Japanese Government, and by Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose D. Ingles on behalf of the Philippine Government, at a simple ceremony held in Malacañang. The President later signed a note conveying to the Japanese government and people the gratitude of the Filipino for the rice donation.
In the afternoon, the President had a reunion with a wartime buddy, Marcelo Paat, who provided him shelter and refuge from the Japanese during the war. Aged 78 and jobless, but healthy, Paat came to Malacañang upon invitation of the President who wanted to know in what way he could help the old man. Paat hails from Bantay, locos Sur.
Following his reunion with his wartime comrade, the President held a press conference at Malacañang, during which he, among others clarified points on the PC circular regarding the arrest of persons inciting rebellion during demonstrations. The President said that the PC circular ordering the filing of charges against persons inciting rebellion in connection with anti-government demonstrations and rallies would not in any way affect the right of free speech and assembly. He said that the administration would continue to tolerate criticism, but the President added seditious acts are punishable under the law and the authorities are going to enforce the law. Proper legal procedures would be observed, the President concluded.
Tourism—We should make Fuga an international tourist spot by ______ the construction of a jet airport and a hotel. The ______ and skin diving alone would attract the crowd from Hongkong and Japan or U.S. And if gambling is authorized, it could outbid Macao. Although Hongkong is planning to allow gambling next year.
The Tolentino speech—Sen. [Arturo] Tolentino, on the 12th questioned the constitutionality of the provision that allows the transfer of funds in the appropriation act. Apparently he is being asked by the Lopezes to do this. He is probably being paid for it as we had to when Kokoy [Benjamin Romualdez] was attending to him and keeping him on our side. Or he is complying with his commitment to the Liberals to attack me to gain their votes for the Presidency of the Senate. If the Congress can authorize the President to appropriate as in the case of President [Manuel] Quezon, then it can authorize a transfer.
The Constitutional Convention—I have decided not to attend the opening of the convention on June 1st. There does not seem to be much direction up to now in the convention.
Phil.-Japan Highway—I was told by Sec. Cesar Virata that in the Paris meetings, the Japanese delegates headed by Mr. Sawaki was not much help. They were critical of the Philippines and did not make any commitment as to any help for the Philippines. The Japanese feel that we have not complied with our part of the bargain in the Phil.-Japan Highway construction. And the 21 typhoons do not seem to impress them as capable of preventing work on the highway.
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