3rd Infantry Division conducts fun shoot, tree planting activities to fight climate change

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): 3rd Infantry Division conducts fun shoot, tree planting activities to fight climate change

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division together with its police counterparts, local government units in its area of operations, private individuals and groups have conducted a fun shoot and tree planting activities in a bid to fight climate change.

This took place from Feb. 28 to March 2.

Proceeds from the events will be used to plant trees in a bid to stop the effects of climate change.

Dubbed as “Shoot for the Environment”, 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad hosted a Commander’s Cup 2014 shooting competition at the firing range of the 82nd Infantry Battalion.

The opening ceremony last Feb. 28 was graced by Mayor Macario Napulan of Miagao town, Capiz.

A tree planting activity followed after the opening ceremony at the firing range participated by Napulan, Baladad, ranking police officials and private individuals.

A total of 253 shooting enthusiasts coming from the different Gun Clubs, business community, the media, local government units, government agencies, AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies all over Western Visayas participated in the event.

Notable in the event was the participation of the two Ilonggo world class shooters -- Philip Chua, World’s Number 4 in the Revolver Standard Division; and Nelson Uygongco, the only Filipino to hold all five Pistol Division with an open Rifle Division Championship crown in the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) shooting sports.

Nelson Uygongco, the overall champion for standard division, in an interview with reporters, said “I am grateful to be part of this admirable undertaking of the Philippine Army. It was evident in the face of the shooters the patience to wait despite the influx of participants; and they were so happy because of the festive mode and excellent facilities behind the interesting courses of fire.”

During the awarding and closing ceremonies, Baladad, who emerged as the overall champion for the AFP/PNP Generals category, said “We are fortunate that we have world class shooters here in Western Visayas who participated in this event. Aside from improving our shooting skills, we have likewise gained experience and learned from these shooters and it was also a good thing to promote camaraderie among the enthusiasts.”

Baladad also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors (a total of 53), shooting participants, and other individuals and organizations who supported the noble undertaking for the restoration of the environment damaged by "Yolanda."

Ten seedlings for each sponsor and shooter were planted by the 3rd Infantry Division in affected areas.

One particular area was inside the military reservation in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

Out of the number of shooting participants and sponsors (306), a total of 3,060 seedlings were planted by the 3rd Infantry Division on their behalf. The proceeds of the event will be used for the reforestation project of the unit through propagation of seedlings in the nursery to ensure growth once the seedlings are planted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621641