ARMSCOR Global Defense Inc., the Philippines’ leading manufacturer or firearms, ammunition and defense products, successfully held its 16th Tactical, Survival and Arms (TACS) Expo from February 18-21, 2023 at the Diwa ng Tarlac Convention Center in San Vicente, Tarlac City.
Residents of Tarlac and nearby provinces welcomed the initiative of ARMSCOR to conduct information dissemination activities on survival and disaster preparedness as Tarlac is one of the top provinces in the Philippines that is known for being flood prone as well as vulnerable to earthquakes.
Disclosing that this is the first time the company has brought the TACS Expo to the north, ARMSCOR Deputy CEO and Senior Executive Vice President Gina Marie Angangco explained that Tarlac was the most appropriate choice because the area is centrally located and has also been subjected to flooding due to typhoons.
Emphasizing that “preparedness is key” whether a disaster is man-made or natural, Angangco said the aim of the Expo was to “educate Filipinos on how to prepare, what to prepare, how much to prepare, such as the amount of water that each person would need to store) before help arrives.”
At the same time, the TACS Expo showcased the capabilities of rescuers, with assurance given to the public that as long as they are also prepared in their own little way, “help will come very soon.|,” the ARMSCOR executive said.
During the four-day event, the leading defense industry player also donated a Mang Ondoy Rescue Boat (RBO) to the province of Tarlac headed by Governor Susan Yap, underscoring the company’s support for local government units’ disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts. RBO is an all-purpose boat that is utilized for rescue activities and has been proven reliable during flooding. It is also suitable for recreational use.
In her remarks, Governor Yap cited a joint study by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) about the possibility of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake or the “big one” occurring, which could cause total devastation in Metro Manila.
According to the governor, such an occurrence would lead people to flock to the New Clark City located in Capas, Tarlac, which was conceptualized and built out of the need for an alternative national government relocation site should the “big one” ever happen.
Highlighting the importance of being self-sufficient, Governor Yap encouraged her constituents to be prepared. She also lauded the conduct of the TACS Expo in her province as it is not only an activity that teaches about the basics of gun safety and handling as well as responsible gun ownership, but also survival and life preservation seminars and activities.
Aside from the discounts on firearms, survival gear and other accessories from ARMSCOR and participating exhibitors, defense enthusiasts welcomed the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) caravan and the Express Release services provided by the Philippine National Police during the four-day exhibit.
