Marcos Apayo’s visit was canceled due to bad weather

MANILA, Philippines – Bad weather caused by Tropical Storm Dodong forced President Marcos to cancel Apayao’s visit on July 15.

The President was scheduled to attend the 36th Cordillera Day celebration at the Bienvenido G. Verzola Jr. Sports Center in Luna Town.

According to a weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 11 a.m. yesterday, Dodong did not directly deliver heavy rain to any part of the country. All wind signals have been raised, but the enhanced southwest monsoon may still create a strong atmosphere in many areas, including the Cordillera Administrative Region where Apayao is located.

In a speech delivered by Presidential Assistant Secretary for Northern Luzon Ana Carmela Remigio during the celebration, Marcos pledged to prioritize the development of agricultural lands and modernize the agricultural sector.

“As the President and concurrently the Agriculture Secretary, I have relentlessly emphasized and prioritized development.
of our farmlands. I cannot stress it enough, but we need to invest in the development, productivity and innovation of our agricultural sector,” Marcos said.

“By building infrastructure and improving market linkages for our farmers, our farms will provide not only crops but also opportunities that will create ripple effects across our country,” he added.

The President called on the people of the Cordillera to support the programs of the Regional Development Council, which seeks to achieve comprehensive development without destroying the region’s natural heritage.

“The potential of the Cordilleras in hydropower, irrigation and agriculture is enormous and must continue to be exploited for the benefit of all,” he added.

Dodong was expected to leave the Philippines area of ​​responsibility yesterday afternoon and reach typhoon status on July 17 over the West Philippine Sea.

Siargo Fest

Meanwhile, President Marcos yesterday praised the resilience of the people of Siargo as the province hosted the first Dapa Siargo International Dragon Boat Festival.

In a speech delivered by his son William Vincent, Marcos noted that it has been more than two years since the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and more than a year since Super Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in Siargo.

He said organizing events like the International Dragon Boat Festival is the strength of the Siargonons.

Twenty-eight teams from different countries participated in the event, which the President described as “another important leap”.

“Through the scourge of crisis, our Siargonen brothers and sisters were able to muster their innate resilience and strength, leading us to this moment,” the president said.

He called the rowers “the highlight of the festival” and reminded them that their participation in the competition will allow them to show “the boundless potential of human strength, endurance and vitality”.