From survival know-how to advanced disaster-response technologies, Ilonggos are set to gain critical knowledge as the city hosts the first-ever KABALAKA Expo on August 29–30 at the Iloilo Business Park in Megaworld.
Organized by the Iloilo City Government with the Office of Civil Defense VI, the two-day event will gather 22 exhibitors from local government units, academe, civil society, and the private sector.
The expo will showcase preparedness tools and innovations in climate resilience.
“This program tackles climate and disaster risk to empower Ilonggos with life-saving knowledge and skills, while showcasing innovations in risk reduction and resilience,” said Darwin Joemil Papa, chief of the CDRRMO Quick Response Division.
Highlights include advocacy booths, disaster awareness videos, the KABALAKA Gallery and Camp, the Bureau of Fire Protection Roadshow, and a rappelling station.
A Response Assets Exhibition will feature rescue vehicles and specialized equipment, while “KABALAKA Talk” will host short presentations from 15 experts on preparedness and resilience.
For OCD VI Operations Section Chief Atty. Melissa Banias, the expo underscores a shift from response to preparedness. “What really matters is readiness—not just for the Iloilo City Government but also for schools and other stakeholders,” she said.
Banias added that the expo fosters collaboration for safer, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities. At its core, KABALAKA remains Iloilo’s flagship program for grassroots disaster preparedness and volunteerism.
