In an unprecedented show of force, members of the Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA), including majority of the directors of the previous board, ratified the Feb. 16 General Assembly Tuesday night, installing former Ilocos Sur governor and sportsman Luis “Chavit” Singson as president of the association.
More than 100 members of different aggrupations – pistol, rifle, moving target (trap and skeet), practical and non-ISSF – welcomed with open arms the installation of Singson who has long been a supporter of trap and skeet shooting since the 90s.
“I’m not promising anything but I will be here to support not only my group but all the aggrupations,” said Singson to the delight of veteran and rising stars of the association at the Manila Yacht Club.
MYC Commodore Ildefonso “Boy” Trongued, who was named chairman of association, expressed confidence that under the leadership of Singson shooting will regain its lost glory.
Elected along with Singson and Trongued were James Chua, vice president for international affairs; Herman delos Santos, VP for national affairs; retired Marine B. General Francisco Gudani, secretary-general; Severino Villarama, treasurer; and Inocentes Dionesa, corporate secretary.
Olympians Eric Ang and Jethro Dionisio and even multi-titled Tac Padilla are also looking forward for the association’s renaissance, noting that Filipino shooters have been left behind by their regional rivals.
“With Gov. Singson around, we’ll have the right direction and motivation to hit our targets,” said Ang.
Archer-turned shooter Raul Arambulo, a committee member, said the group is working in earnest to gain recognition from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) so they can start their SEA Games preparations.
With the support of the Philippine Sports Commission, the group hopes to stage a series of qualifying matches for aspiring national team members as Singson and company intend to do well in next year’s biennial competition.
“We will prove our critics wrong so we have to prepare as hard as we can,” said Gudani.
