In an exceptional manner, Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TCCCII) officers and members gathered for its 9th General Membership Meeting (GMM) on the range on Friday afternoon, October 14, at Metro Tagum Shooters Firing Range, Barangay Magdum, Tagum City.
The outdoor convention that featured a Gun Safety Orientation and Proper Handling Course which was attended by notable individuals of the city was a fundraising event held for acquiring sewing machines which will be given to the Department of Education (DepEd) - Tagum City for Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) track in the far-flung barangays.
Mr. Elbert Ponce, District Manager for Davao del Norte - Philippine Shooters and Match Officers Confederation (PSMOC), officiated the gun safety orientation, emphasizing on the four cardinal rules of gun safety.
"Ayaw jud siya iatubang, bisa'g kangkinsa — naa'y sulod o wala [Do not point, on anyone — loaded or not]," Ponce stressed.
The rules, which are required by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in every range, are: all weapons should always be handled as if they were loaded, never point a gun's muzzle towards something user will not be willing to harm, never place any finger close to the trigger until user is prepared to fire while not relying on a mechanical safety system, and to always be aware of target and what is both in front of and behind it.
Following the orientation was the proper handling course where participants performed the practical shooting and was facilitated by PSMOC officers, Mr. Herminigildo Apsay and Mr. Dundee Philippe Lectura, joining Mr. Ponce.
Meanwhile, the event was catered by Tagumpie by: Cathy’s Pastries who sponsored for the participants’ snacks, featuring their iconic creamy “binignit” and their special “bilao” with a variety of delicious "kakanin".
The fun shooting activity was joined by a total of over 50 participants, ending as a successful fundraising event.