Opening of the 25th Tactical, Survival, and Arms Expo 2025
In Davao City, the 25th edition of the Tactical, Survival, and Arms Expo kicked off at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, with Senator Ronald dela Rosa at the helm. The opening ceremony highlighted a continued commitment to responsible gun ownership and resilience amid ongoing political debates and environmental challenges. The event, organized by Armscor Philippines, marks a milestone for a community that values innovation, marksmanship, discipline, and responsibility in firearm use.
Senator Dela Rosa’s Message: Partners, Not Enemies
Dela Rosa spoke passionately about reframing public safety to include responsible gun ownership as a constructive partner. “Many people still associate gun ownership with danger and fear,” he said. “But when they look closely at this expo and the community we have built, they will see that responsible firearm ownership is not an enemy of public safety, it is its partner.”
Even as he navigates political hurdles—such as the veto of his proposed amendments to the Firearms Law and his recent removal as chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs—Dela Rosa affirmed his unwavering commitment. “No politics can shade my passion. Like a true champion, I shake off the dust, I rise again, back to our shared target, as we always do. Eyes on the prize,” he declared, underscoring that advocacy for responsible gun owners transcends appointments or legislative battles.
Expo Theme: Preparedness Amid Natural Disasters
Gina G. Marie Angangco, senior executive vice president and deputy CEO of Armscor Global Defense, underscored the expo’s four-day focus on preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The program features firearms, tactical gear, survival tools, and on-site services for firearm licensing and safety training. Angangco noted recent earthquakes, typhoons, and floods as reminders that disasters can strike at any time, making proper training, equipment, and resilience essential components of public safety.
Local Support and Public Awareness
Authorities from the Davao City Police Office joined the event to emphasize the expo as a platform for public awareness about security preparedness and responsible firearm ownership. Acting Chief Police Col. Mannan Caracas Muarip highlighted the force’s Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order Policing Framework. He framed the expo as a collaboration that reinforces peace, partnership, and preparedness in one of the country’s safest and most progressive cities.
What the Expo Delivers
The four-day event, running from October 16 to 19, brings together suppliers, trainers, and enthusiasts to showcase firearms, tactical gear, and survival tools. It also provides practical services for licensing and safety training, reinforcing the message that responsible gun ownership includes rigorous education, safe handling, and ongoing community engagement. The expo’s organizers describe it as a national platform for promoting safe gun use, public safety, and resilience—values Dela Rosa says must stay right on target in his ongoing advocacy.
Looking Ahead
As the expo progresses, attendees and observers will watch how discussions around gun rights, safety standards, and disaster preparedness intersect with public policy. Dela Rosa’s leadership at the event emphasizes that responsible gun ownership is not a fringe issue but a foundational element of national resilience. The gathering aims to leave a lasting impression: a community ready to face challenges with discipline, preparedness, and a commitment to safety.
