Worked on the studies of Australian Investments and why they succeeded in attracting them up to 2:30 AM as I could not sleep since I have been missing Imelda intensely.
Official Gazette for October 1, 1970: President Marcos defined the challenge of the seventies to the nation as a many-sized task to be met simultaneously, notably the development of the economy, the redress of society, and the enrichment of culture. This challenge, he said, is “a challenge to intelligence and imagination” and that what may cripple the country is not the difficulties in resources or other areas, but “the way we view our difficulties.”
Speaking as guest of honor at the opening of the 22nd national convention of the Philippine Jaycees, held at the Rizal Theatre in Makati, Rizal in the morning, the President projected the problems and requirements of the seventies and the years beyond, and asked that the nation be prepared to meet a many-headed and simultaneous challenge which the times impose on this country as on other countries.
Returning to Malacañang about 12 noon, the President began receiving callers. Among, the first to see him was the UN Undersecretary C. V. Narasimhan, who made a stopover here en route to Tokyo and New York. Other callers were officials of the Flying Tiger Airline, who paid a courtesy call, during which they informed the President that the airline is specially interested in carrying local exports to markets abroad. In the group were Wayne Hoffman and George Zettler, chairman and vice president, respectively, of the FTA.
Finally, the President discussed with officials ‘of the Confederation of Union in the Sugar Industry the social amelioration fund established for workers by industry leaders. The unionists said that many planters and millers had, failed to abide by the agreement. The President then suggested that the fund be made to stick through legislation, and pledged to certify to the regular session of Congress next year a bill to that effect.
In the afternoon, the President once more emerged from Malacañang to address the graduation rites of the NACIDA. Technological and Development Training Center in Marikina, Rizal. He told the graduates that NACIDA enterprises are substantially helping the economy and should be further pursued, to expand and intensify its activities. Exuding optimism over the bright future of the NACIDA projects in the country, the President said, “I direct this afternoon all government offices which need any of the things produced by the NACIDA to buy them directly from the NACIDA manufacturers.
He also pledged to utilize the powers of the presidency to help NACIDA, and to have government offices patronize directly, its products, as well as support NACIDA ventures so that these will continue to flourish and progress. At the same time, the President conveyed to Japan through Ambassador Toshio Urabe, the gratitude of the Philippine government for the assistance extended by that government to the project in the form of machinery and equipment, as well as experts and specialists in various fields.
Returning to Malacañang, the President resumed his interrupted stint at his desk. He worked through early evening on state papers. Informed of the strong earthquake that badly hit Batanes, the Chief Executive ordered the speedy delivery of relief aid. He directed:
1. The dispatch of Philippine Air Force plane with rice and other relief goods to Basco, the province’s capital. 2. That additional supplies be shipped aboard Philippine Navy ship. 3. The Department of Social Welfare to send through the PN ship, LSM-68, 1000 sacks of rice to the Batanes Red Cross for distribution to the earthquake victims.
The President, through Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., also requested the United States Coast Guard to fly to Basco the halasone tablets earlier requested by Gov. Silvino Agudd.
And we finished the Lopez testimonial dinner at 12:30 AM. All the speeches were eulogies and obituaries except mine.
Spoke before the National Convention of Jaycees at the Rizal Theatre on what to expect beyond the Seventies. The long term problems of population control, maintaining the ecological balance, environmental conservation, pollution, etc. And the international situation twenty-thirty years from now. Will Red China moderate? Will the conflict between Russia and Red China continue? How about Japan? And Indonesia with more than a hundred million people and its vast natural resources. How about diplomatic relations with Russia.
How about our ethics and standards of morality?
Then hurried to meet Hofman of the Flying Tigers who wants landing rights for cargo or freight planes; [Chakravarthi] Narishaman, Chief de Cabinet of the UN [United Nations[ and Asst. Sec. General of the UN, congressmen and the sugar workers union on an amelioration fund bill.
Then spoke at 3:00 PM at the Nacida [National Cottage Industries Development Authority] Technical Development Center in Parang, Marikina, Rizal.
Met the PAL [Philippine Air Lines] management with Dept. of Labor officials. No result of conciliation efforts of the PAL strike.
Attended the birthday party of Justice Toby Barredo, the newly married member of the Supreme Court.