1. Introduction
I.1 Development
Naga, the “Heart of Bicol” that aspires to become a happy place for its people, is
at the crossroads. The fastest growing city in Bicolandia, it faces the internal challenge of
maintaining high level of human development even as its population is projected to
double within the next two decades. Naga city’s development will eventually resort to the
increase in student’s population, overseas students and visitors alike. These
developments will bring a need for safe, livable, affordable and accommodations for
students, backpackers and tourists in the future.
In the face of these challenges, it can opt to take the path of least resistance and
approach urban governance with a business-as-usual attitude. Or, it can be a little more
ambitious, dream a little bigger and come up with a more audacious plan that will
position Naga as the Philippines’ best little city that not only does things right, but also
does them well. Fully confident that this plan enjoys broad-based support of Nagueños,
having captured the collective aspiration, needs and priorities of our society, I am calling
on call our people, partners and stakeholders of Naga’s continuing progress and
sustainable development to join us in making it work.