Marcos’ vision for Cebu and Visayas

(Part 2)

It was on January 17, 1981, by virtue of Proclamation No. 2045, that Marcos lifted Martial Law and launched the new republic. He also called for an election and defeated Nacionalista Party’s candidate, the legendary war hero general, Alejo Santos.

This was part of the speech he delivered in Cebu on June 18, 1981 with the opening phrase:

“Mga binati kong kaigsoonan sa Rehiyon 7, labi na gayod sa mga Sugboanon.”

This was what he said of his programs: “Technologies in the productive and fertility inducing use of the soil are being taught to our farmers through alternative cropping. An added service to farmers is the setting up of a center on farming technology called the Farmer’s Training Center in Barili, Cebu. It has already graduated 300 farmers on corn and ipil-ipil intercropping technology. More training programs are scheduled for farmers in the region and even for farmers from Mindanao.

“The regreening of your forests is also proceeding in earnest. In Negros Oriental and in Cebu, reforestation, forestation, and communal tree farming projects are undertaken to fight off the destructive “slash and burn” practice, and the projects have already succeeded in rallying many of you to cooperate in planting and replanting of trees.

“In the work to raise the quality of life in your communities, the Ministry of Human Settlements has set up various projects all over the region, which answer basic needs in housing, clothing, livelihood promotion and community development.

“In food production, the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor today work hand in hand to team up with the Agriculture Ministry to intensify the production of cassava, an energy giving food. A total of 1,000 hectares in Cebu, 1,600 hectares in Negros Oriental and 250 hectares in Siquijor are now earmarked for the rapid propagation of the product. For the MASAGANA 99 program, Bohol and Negros Oriental have irrigated a total of 10,110 hectares of ricelands.

“In answer to water needs in Cebu, a total of P15 million has been set aside under the Barangay Water Program as initial amount for a project that when completed will involve investments of some P16 million.”