Shooters welcome Chavit Singson as new president

MANILA, Philippines — 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 Gov. 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 – hailed the installation of Singson, a long-time supporter of trap and skeet shooting.

“I’m not promising anything but I will support not only my group but all aggrupations,” said Singson before veteran and rising stars of the association at the Manila Yacht Club.

MYC Commodore Ildefonso “Boy” Trongued, named chairman of association, expressed confidence that under the new leadership, shooting would be able to regain its lost glory being one of the consistent medal producers in the SEA Games in the 80s and early 90s.

The other new officers are 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 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 said the group is working to gain recognition from the Philippine Olympic Committee so they can start their SEA Games preparations.