Expect great things to happen whenever the renowned Filipino ingenuity is in play. A case in point is the guns and ammunition industry, where success is not debatable. At the 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show in Davao City, Filipino guns and sports shooting enthusiasts stated that this industry can thrive, given the support from the government and private sectors.
“We’re always gunning for success in the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, Inc. (AFAD) and this edition of the annual guns show will showcase not just the best and high-quality imported and locally produced sporting firearms and shooting paraphernalia.
“We intend to drive home the point that our industry can also help generate income to many Filipinos,” said AFAD Spokesperson Alaric ‘Aric’ Topacio.
The hardworking officers of AFAD have left no stone unturned in their bid to make the 30th Defense and Sporting Arms Show on October 23-26 at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City one of the most successful staging of the annual event.
This is the second time in seven years that AFAD is hosting the country’s longest sporting arms show in the country’s largest and third most populous city.
Davao has been known to be a haven for guns and sporting arms aficionados, and the Dabawenos are highly regarded in the industry for being hard workers and innovative in the field.
“We believe it’s time our government considers pouring support in terms of resources and business opportunities into Davao and the guns and ammo-making industry as a whole so that soon they get noticed globally,” added Topacio.
Industry supporters Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte and Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa are confirmed to grace the opening ceremony at 11 am.
“After seven years, DSAS returned to Davao City. We’re so excited and thrilled since this is the first time since 2017 that AFAD brings world-class sporting firearms all highlighting innovations and safety features for our Davawenos and Mindanaoan friends.”
Topacio said that around 40 members and exhibitors are participating in the four-day arms show of top-notch sporting firearms, ammunition, and paraphernalia from renowned international and local manufacturers and distributors.
“We welcome our friends from the South with open arms as we promised to make the show interesting and valuable as AFAD will continue to thrive as a reliable income-generating industry in the country,” said Topacio.
Topacio expressed his gratitude to the support of lawmakers headed by Senate President Chiz Escudero for putting a premium on the modernization program for the firearms industry with the passing of the Self Reliance Defense Act which will give way to building the country’s own firearms and armament manufacturing plant. With its foremost mission to educate the public about responsible gun ownership, AFAD line-up activities and programs throughout the four-day event include seminars on the safe handling of firearms, the legal process in acquiring guns, and vital documents and government requirements. Also, in close coordination with the PNP, AFAD put up a one-stop area for application and renewal of licenses to own and possess firearms available in the show.
