In a huge boost for shotgun shooting development in the country, the Philippine National Shooting Association has accredited the Magnus Front Sight Shooting Range in Lipa City, Batangas as another training center for present and aspiring national shotgun shooters.
The certificate of accreditation for the world-class facility was unanimously approved and issued recently by the PNSA board, led by president Rep. Faustino Michael Dy III, House Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman, and PNSA chairman Maj. Gen. (ret.) Natalio Ecarma III.
Both Dy and Ecarma signed the COD so that the shooting range, just a short 90-minute drive from Metro Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, can be a training option for both national shotgun shooters and those aspiring to represent the country in the Olympic shooting sport.
“We would like to thank the PNSA board led by Congressman Mike Dy for certifying the Magnus Front Sight Shooting Range as another training center for shotgun shooting. This is, indeed, also a welcome development for aspiring shooters,” noted national trap and skeet shooter Eric Ang.
“This range will truly benefit our shotgun shooters, who will be able to train in an ideal, safe and secure environment so they can sharpen their skills further and regularly in our demanding yet exciting sport,” added the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games veteran and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
Built and owned by businessman-sportsman Edwin Lim, the Magnus Front Sight Shooting Range is located on a 15-hectare property within the farm estate of the Leviste family.
With 42 pistol bays, the shooting venue was the site of the 2019 Australasia International Practical Shooting Confederation world practical shooting championships that drew 1,500 practical shooters from all over the globe.
On the other hand, the shotgun shooting range meets strict International Shooting Sport Federation standards, and there are plans on the drawing board to add more so that international competitions can be hosted by the country there.
There are plans to secure PNSA approval so that the country can host the 2024 Southeast Asian Shooting Association shooting championships at the well-furnished venue, according to Lim.
Making it a conducive environment to both shooters and visitors alike, amenities at the Magnus Frontsight Shooting Range include a huge multi-purpose airconditioned pavilion, clubhouse, separate comfort rooms for men and women, clinic, shower rooms and storage areas. ss
For those who aim to stay longer at the range, which is not far away from downtown Lipa, there are air-conditioned quarters for athletes.
With the government’s renewed thrust for more sports tourism-related events in the country, the Magnus Front Sight Shooting Range can draw shooting enthusiasts from in and out of Southeast Asia to taste the famed Filipino hospitality and the tourist attractions of Batangas, he added.