Iloilo City launches KABALAKA gallery for disaster preparedness

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City Government, in partnership with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), proudly unveiled the KABALAKA Gallery at SM City Iloilo North Point on July 27.

The gallery, which stands for “KAhublangan sa BArangay para sa LApnagon nga KAhandaan sa KAlamidad,” serves as a vital educational resource for Iloilo City residents, offering an in-depth look at the city’s disaster risk profile and the comprehensive efforts toward risk reduction and resilience.

The launch event aligns with National Disaster Resilience Month, themed “Bantayog ng Katatagan at Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan.”

Representing Mayor Jerry Treñas at the opening ceremony, City Government Assistant Department Head II and Assistant City Tourism Officer Maria Lea Victoria E. Lara highlighted the city’s ongoing resilience efforts.

“The city has come a long way in its resilience efforts and aims to further include the resilience of our fellow Ilonggos. Projects like this allow us to be educated on what we should do in times of disaster. Due to climate change and rapid urbanization involving hazards, we must ensure we develop adaptive capacities,” she stated.

Through the gallery, the city hopes to educate and empower citizens, especially young Ilonggos, to take an active role in disaster preparedness and response.

The KABALAKA Gallery is a community-driven project, realized through the collaborative efforts of various academic institutions and private sector partners. The exhibits feature detailed information on the city’s disaster risk areas, historical data on past calamities, and the strategies implemented to mitigate these risks.

The gallery will be accessible to all mall-goers until July 31, offering a unique opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in the city’s disaster preparedness initiatives.