Legazpi City — Local government units (LGUs) all over the country look up to Albay as model in the implementation of disaster management and control measures, it was reported here.

Many of these LGUs are sending their technical personnel to Albay to study its disaster-management programs and activities.

Some local government officials said they are studying Albay’s disaster-preparedness and risk-reduction measures after it was cited by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

The NDCC honored the provincial government of Albay led by Gov. Joey Salceda in ceremonies held recently in Malacañang Palace, giving to the Bicol provnce the Gawad Kalasag award in recognition of its excellence in disaster-risk management and humanitarian assistance.

President Arroyo, assisted by Defense Secretary and NDCC chairman Gilbert Teodoro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and NDCC executive office Glenn Rabonza, handed the plaque to Salceda during the ceremony.

Albay was adjudged as having the Best Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council. The Child Sponsorship for Community Development of Legaspi City and CDCC Legaspi were also recipients of separate awards.

Salceda was credited for the province’s preemptive evacuation scheme to attain zero casualty after Albay and neighboring provinces were hit by supertyphoons “Milenyo,” “Reming,” and “Seniang” some three years ago.

The evacuation scheme is being used today as Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to be restive. Residents in critical areas have been evacuated, while other preventive measures were instituted.

NDCC cited Albay for its readiness in handling disasters and for formulating proactive measures which the local disaster response and management office has been implementing to prevent casualties.

NDCC said Albay's disaster management operation is one of the best models in effective disaster management that enforces the preemptive evacuation scheme to attain zero casualty during natural calamities.