The local government here is gearing up for a two-day 2025 KABALAKA Expo, a showcase of life-saving knowledge and skills and innovations in risk reduction and resilience, in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense Western Visayas (OCD6) and other resilience partners on Aug. 29 to 30.

Darwin Joemil Papa, head of the Quick Response Division of the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said it was supposed to be part of the celebration for National Disaster Resilience Month in July but was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

KABALAKA (KAhublagan sa BArangay para sa LApnagon nga KAhandaan sa KAlamidad) or Movement for Community-Based Disaster Preparedness is the city government’s banner program to reduce risks, prevent and mitigate the impact of climate change, disasters and hazards in the community, resource mobilization, and volunteerism, among others.

The expo will feature informative and interactive exhibits designed to engage a diverse audience, such as exhibition booths, interactive and creative resilience activities, and response assets exhibition.

“One of the highlights of the event will be a round of 10 to 15-minute talks or K-talk where they will have impactful briefings on DRRM,” he said in a press conference on Wednesday.

OCD6 Operations Section head lawyer Melissa Banias said they want to let people know that Iloilo City has the equipment, capacity and DRRM materials they can share with them.

“One of the things that we really want to showcase is how prepared we are, not only the Iloilo City government but other stakeholders, the school, the academe. DRRM is everybody’s business,” she said.

Banias said the expo is the first in Iloilo City and they hope to hold it annually. (PNA)