FEATURES

MANILA, Philippines – The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD) officially open the 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) on July 22 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, with Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri leading the opening ceremonies as guest of honor.

For more than three decades, the Defense and Sporting Arms Show has served as the country’s premier firearms exhibition and the flagship event of AFAD, bringing together the firearms industry, government agencies, sports shooters, collectors, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and responsible firearm owners to promote responsible gun ownership, public safety, and continued industry development.

This year’s event also highlights AFAD’s long-standing legislative advocacy for policies that protect the rights of responsible, law-abiding firearm owners while encouraging the growth of the Philippine firearms industry.

AFAD President Alaric “Aric” Topacio said the organization is honored to welcome Senator Migz Zubiri, whom AFAD recognizes as one of the country’s strongest advocates for responsible firearm ownership and the principal author of key amendments to firearms legislation that have helped make compliance more practical for legitimate firearm owners while supporting the continued growth of the firearms industry.

“Senator Migz Zubiri has consistently listened to the concerns of responsible firearm owners and the firearms industry,” Topacio said. “His legislative work reflects the principle that the law should focus on criminals and illegal firearms and not create unnecessary burdens for citizens who faithfully comply with existing laws.”

According to Topacio, AFAD has always believed that responsible firearm owners deserve laws that are fair, practical, and effective.

“As the country’s leading firearms industry association, AFAD has spent decades working with lawmakers and government agencies to ensure that the voices of responsible gun owners are heard,” he said. “We have consistently advocated for laws that improve compliance, simplify lawful ownership, and recognize that responsible citizens should not be punished for crimes committed by those who choose to violate the law.”

He emphasized that AFAD supports strong enforcement against criminal misuse of firearms while opposing policies that unnecessarily burden legitimate firearm owners without addressing the root causes of violent crime.

“Our position has always been clear: enforce the law vigorously against criminals while respecting the rights of qualified, law-abiding firearm owners. Effective legislation should encourage compliance, not discourage it through unnecessary regulation,” Topacio said.

Throughout the years, AFAD has worked closely with legislators, the Philippine National Police – Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO), local government units, and other government agencies to improve firearm laws, streamline licensing processes, strengthen safety education, and encourage greater compliance among firearm owners.

“Good legislation makes compliance easier for responsible citizens while allowing authorities to focus their resources on those who possess and use firearms illegally,” Topacio added.

The five-day exhibition will feature leading local and international firearms manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and industry partners showcasing the latest firearms, ammunition, optics, tactical equipment, sporting accessories, and outdoor gear.

Visitors can also explore new product launches, live demonstrations, legal briefings, firearm safety seminars, and interactive educational sessions designed to promote responsible firearm ownership and increase public understanding of Philippine firearm laws.

Beyond being a trade exhibition, Topacio stressed that the Defense and Sporting Arms Show remains AFAD’s most important public education initiative.

“The firearms industry is not simply about commerce,” he said. “It is about cultivating a community of responsible, law-abiding firearm owners who understand that every firearm carries with it a serious obligation.”

Throughout the event, visitors can participate in seminars covering firearm safety, proper handling, licensing procedures, legal responsibilities, and responsible participation in shooting sports. AFAD will also provide on-site assistance for firearm licensing, permit renewals, and consultations with government agencies, making compliance more accessible for both first-time applicants and longtime firearm owners.

AFAD encourages visitors to follow its official Facebook page for the complete schedule of seminars and event activities.

Topacio reiterated that responsible firearm ownership begins with education, discipline, accountability, and respect for the law.

“Responsible gun ownership begins with respect for the law. We have consistently encouraged our members and the public to comply with licensing requirements, safety standards, and responsible handling practices,” he said.

As the country’s foremost association representing firearms manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers, and allied stakeholders, AFAD continues to advocate for practical firearm policies, protect the interests of responsible gun owners, promote firearm safety education, and support the continued growth of the Philippine firearms industry.

“Our mission extends beyond representing an industry,” Topacio said. “We are committed to ensuring that every responsible firearm owner has a strong voice in the legislative process, that sensible laws continue to evolve, and that the rights of law-abiding Filipinos are protected while keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals.”

This year’s Defense and Sporting Arms Show reflects that commitment—bringing together government, industry, and responsible firearm owners in support of safer communities, informed citizenship, and a stronger Philippine firearms industry.

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has begun its 2026 Plant for Life program, setting its highest annual planting target to date: 230,225 indigenous tree seedlings across 450 hectares of priority restoration areas within the Ipo Watershed.

The 2026 planting sites cover areas in Norzagaray, Bulacan, and Mt. Balagbag in Rizal, both of which form part of the Ipo Watershed. The sites were identified in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as priority areas for forest restoration.

The Ipo Watershed is a critical part of the Angat-Ipo raw water system, which supplies water to Metro Manila. Reforesting denuded portions of the watershed helps reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, improve water infiltration, support biodiversity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of this vital water source.

Unlike one-day planting activities, Plant for Life provides for three years of site maintenance through partnerships with local people’s organizations. Their work includes regular monitoring, protection of planted areas, vegetation management, and replacement planting when necessary to improve seedling survival and support long-term forest restoration.

The program has maintained a seedling survival rate of more than 85% over the past seven years. In 2025, a 450-hectare restoration site covering Mt. Balagbag and Norzagaray recorded an overall seedling survival rate of 92.1%, as validated by the DENR.

“Watershed restoration is measured not only by how many seedlings are planted, but by how many are able to survive and become part of a functioning forest,” said Maynilad Chief Sustainability Officer Atty. Roel S. Espiritu. “By combining indigenous tree planting with sustained site care and community stewardship, we help strengthen the natural systems that support water quality, water availability, and the resilience of nearby communities.”

Indigenous species such as narra, kupang, and kalumpit will be planted under this year’s program to help restore biodiversity and establish vegetation suited to local watershed conditions.

Since Plant for Life was established in 2007, Maynilad has planted more than 1.64 million seedlings and supported the restoration of nearly 2,420 hectares of watershed and other environmentally critical areas.

The 2026 Plant for Life kickoff brought together Maynilad employee volunteers and representatives from TELUS, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, GHD, Makati Medical Center, Light Rail Manila Corporation, and World Vision.

Iniluluwas sa higit 80 bansa ang mga makabagong agricultural trucks o equipment na nilikha ng Golddafeng, na isa sa mga nangungunang kumpanya sa China pagdating sa paggawa ng mga makinang pang-agrikultura.

Ayon kay Company International Director Amy Wei, kabilang sa kanilang mga produkto ang combine harvester para sa palay, trigo, mais, soybean, at mani, gayundin ang mga traktora at iba pang kagamitang pansakahan.

Kabilang sa pangunahing merkado ng Golddafeng ang Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, Africa, at Central Asia.

Mayroon na rin aniya silang mga subsidiary sa Indonesia, Hong Kong, at Pilipinas na patunay ng patuloy na paglawak ng operasyon nito sa pandaigdigang merkado. | via Jopel Pelenio (Patrol 17)

Isa ang Confucius Temple sa pinakamalaking dahilan kung bakit dinarayo ng mga turista ang lungsod ng Qufu sa Shandong, China.

Bahagi ito ng UNESCO World Heritage Site kasama ang Confucius Mansion at Confucius Cemetery.

Dahil sa milyun-milyong bumibisita rito, patuloy na lumalago ang turismo at lokal na ekonomiya ng Qufu.

Nakikinabang dito ang mga hotel, restawran, souvenir shops, tour guides, at iba pang maliliit na negosyo.

Sa pagbisita ng China Walk: Discover Shandong ASEAN Media Tour, nakita ng mga delegado kung paano pinagsasama ng Confucius Temple ang kasaysayan, kultura, at turismo na nagbibigay ng kabuhayan sa mga residente at nagpapalakas sa ekonomiya ng lungsod. | via Jopel Pelenio (Patrol 17)

Kinikilala bilang tradisyunal at pinaniniwalaang lugar ng kapanganakan ng tanyag na Chinese philosopher na si Confucius ang Nishan sa Qufu, Shandong Province, China.

Dito, matatagpuan ang Nishan Sacred Land, na isang tanyag na cultural at tourist destination na nagpapakita ng buhay at mga katuruan ni Confucius.

Makikita rin sa lugar ang napakalaking estatwa ni Confucius, ang Mount Ni, at ang Nishan Reservoir o Confucius Lake.

Dahil sa mayamang kasaysayan at kultura nito, patuloy na dinarayo ng mga turista at iskolar mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo ang Nishan, na isa ngayon sa mga pangunahing pamanang pangkultura ng China. | via Jopel Pelenio (Patrol 17)

Hindi lamang kinikilala ang Shandong GRAD Group bilang isang malaking kumpanya sa paggawa ng environmental equipment at Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), kundi isa rin itong mahalagang katuwang sa paglikha ng trabaho at pagpapalakas ng ekonomiya.

Ayon kay General Manager Hu Shujun, isinusulong at sinusuportahan din ng kumpanya ang modernong imprastraktura at sustainable development ng China.

Sa pamamagitan aniya ito ng mga teknolohiyang nakatutulong sa pagtitipid ng enerhiya at pangangalaga sa kalikasan.

Dahil dito, patuloy na nagiging katuwang ang Shandong GRAD Group sa pagbuo ng mas moderno, episyente, at mas konkretong imprastraktura sa China.

Iniluluwas, ani Shujun, ang kanilang mga produkto sa mahigit 100 bansa at rehiyon, kabilang na dito ang Pilipinas. | via Jopel Pelenio (Patrol 17)