The regular session of Congress has adjourned and I have called it to a special session. The appropriation act has not even been acted upon.
I addressed the agricultural production technicians this morning at Maharlika Hall. “’More than the weapons, the strength of the spirit. The x-factor for success is morale—the dedication, belief in one’s fighting faith, the complete commitment.”
Imelda suffered some pains this afternoon but she is well now.
I have ordered a review of the fifth freedom granted to other airlines.
And a review of all public works programs and projects.
I am suffering from sore muscles either from over exercise or from anti-inflammatory medicine given me for my right ear.
Official Gazette for May 18, 1972: THE PRESIDENT was guest of honor and speaker on the third day of the Field Men’s Conference on the Rice Program, held at the Maharlika Hall in Malacañang.
In his speech, the President urged some 1,000 field men of the National Food and Agriculture Council to set the example in providing moral leadership in the fight against hunger.
Admitting that in order to improve service to the farmers the government has to first improve the lot of the technicians who have very low salaries, the President directed NFAC Executive Director Roberto Fronda to increase the field men’s “incentive allowances.”
He described the field men as “the first line of defense,” saying that in the struggle against subversion “you face danger more directly and meet the threat more squarely face-to-face.” It is precisely because of this, he added, that they are “the most effective weapon against those who profess communism, although most of them do not understand what communism is.”
The President warned against the danger of intensified subversion should South Vietnam fall to the communists.
Present at the conference were Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Arturo Tanco, Jr., Acting Agriculture Undersecretary Eliseo C. Carandang, Commissioner Francisco Saguiguit of the Agricultural Productivity Commission, and NFAC Executive Director Roberto E. Fronda.
In the afternoon, the President administered the oath of office to National Treasurer Vicente P. Rodriguez.
The appointment of Treasurer Rodriguez has been confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
He also received Senate President Protempore Jose J. Roy, who reiterated to the President, as titular head of the Nacionalista Party, his previous offer to resign as acting NP president.