Iloilo city: The local government is preparing for the 2025 KABALAKA Expo, a two-day event aimed at showcasing life-saving knowledge, skills, and innovations in risk reduction and resilience. The expo, scheduled for August 29 to 30, is organized in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense Western Visayas (OCD6) and other resilience partners.

According to Philippines News Agency, Darwin Joemil Papa, head of the Quick Response Division of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), stated that the expo was initially set to be part of the National Disaster Resilience Month celebrations in July. However, it was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The KABALAKA Expo, standing for KAhublagan sa BArangay para sa LApnagon nga KAhandaan sa KAlamidad or Movement for Community-Based Disaster Preparedness, is the city government’s flagship program focused on disaster risk reduction and management. It aims to reduce risks, prevent and mitigate the impact of climate change, disasters, and hazards through community engagement, resource mobilization, and volunteerism.

The expo will feature informative and interactive exhibits designed to engage a wide audience. Attendees can expect to see exhibition booths, participate in interactive resilience activities, and view displays of response assets. A highlight of the event will be the K-talks, which are 10 to 15-minute impactful briefings on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

OCD6 Operations Section head lawyer Melissa Banias emphasized the importance of showcasing Iloilo City’s preparedness in DRRM. She noted that the city has the necessary equipment, capacity, and materials to share with the community. Banias highlighted that DRRM is a collective responsibility involving the government, stakeholders, schools, and the academe. She expressed hope that the expo, being the first of its kind in Iloilo City, will become an annual event.