Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez reiterated the government’s thrust to strengthen the country’s manufacturing industry and to create greater manufacturing capacity even as he committed to address the concerns and assist the firearms and ammunition manufacturing sector to be more competitive and productive.
In his visit at the plant visit of Armscor Global Defense, Inc. last March 26, the Trade Chief encouraged Armscor to continue with their expansion and innovation programs to be able to increase their participation in supplying the growing requirements of the Philippine (PH) military and police forces. He likewise shared DTI’s initiatives to level the playing field as well as link local manufacturers to investors and buyers.
Armscor’s firearms and ammunition are proudly PH made, from foundry, molding, to finished high carbon steel gun products. The manufactured quality weapons feature high local content and are offered at competitive prices. Sixty percent (60%) of the company’s total output are for exports.
Sec. Lopez stressed that: “It would always be better for the country to always improve capacities to supply so that we generate the jobs locally.”
In 2018, DTI asked Armscor’s company executives to join the Israel visit of President Rodrigo Duterte. The company was part of the PH business delegation seeking investments and business collaborations between the two nations. The visit paved way for Armscor to ink a technological agreement with EMTAN Karmiel Ltd that will create a local manufacturing facility for weapons under license from the latter. Their Memorandum of Understanding covered transfer of know-how in weapon manufacturing. Currently, firearm models from Israel are now with the local manufacturer for testing and production feasibility.
Present during the plant visit were DTI Export Director Senen Perlada, BOI Executive Director Raul Angeles, and Mr. Reynaldo Lignes, as well as Armscor Chairman Severo Tuason and Vice President Norberto Del Mundo.
