ILOILO CITY — Day 2 of the KABALAKA Expo 2026 transformed Convention Drive into a playground with a purpose, as children took center stage to learn disaster preparedness through play. The camp turned survival skills into an adventure, with the final day of the expo wrapping up today, July 17.
Learning Resilience One Game at a Time
The KABALAKA Camp, run in collaboration with the University of San Agustin‑National Service Reserve Corps, replaced lectures with action. Children crawled low in the “kamang” fire evacuation drill, learning to stay beneath imaginary smoke. They practiced carrying techniques in “karga,” hoisting teammates to safety with surprising determination.
At the “basya” station, small hands gripped hoses and aimed water at mock flames. The “higot” knot‑tying challenge turned rope into rescue tools. Each station used the local Hiligaynon language, making the lessons feel familiar rather than frightening. The camp proved that children as young as grade schoolers can absorb life‑saving knowledge when it is served as a game.
Turning Play into Preparedness
The “dumdom” challenge asked participants to pack a Go‑Bag, choosing between a flashlight and a toy. Nearly every child got it right by the second try, cheered on by USA‑NSRC volunteers. In “tatap” first‑aid, they bandaged pretend wounds and practiced calling emergency numbers. These simple acts built confidence that will stick with them long after the expo tents come down.
Parents watched from the sidelines, some visibly surprised at how quickly their children grasped the drills. The camp was designed not just for the kids but for the entire household, as organizers believe children can become preparedness ambassadors at home. When a child insists on a family fire‑escape plan, parents listen.
Cleaner Streets, Safer Communities
Beyond the camp, the City General Services Office showcased its Street Sweeper Truck, a machine that serves double duty—keeping Iloilo’s streets clean daily and clearing debris quickly after storms. The display connected environmental care with disaster resilience, showing young visitors that a prepared city is also a clean one.
The truck demonstration tied the camp’s lessons to the bigger picture of sustainable urban management. Children learned that while they practice evacuation drills, the city works year‑round to reduce hazards and speed recovery. The synergy between youth education and municipal action made the expo’s message complete.
Building a Generation of Resilient Citizens
KABALAKA, derived from the Hiligaynon word for care, lived up to its name throughout the three‑day expo. By investing in the youngest members of the community, Iloilo City is nurturing a generation that will not freeze in emergencies but act with purpose. Today is the final opportunity for families to visit Convention Drive before the expo closes at nine in the evening, carrying home not just souvenirs but skills that could one day save a life.
