Lying in the shadow of the extinct Mt. Isarog volcano, its familiar blend of ancient and new buildings rises against a backdrop of giant, old trees. But looks can be deceiving. An unusual brand of governance distinguishes Naga from its more conventional counterparts. This is also the home of a unique law that authorizes citizens to meddle in city policies, institutionalizing the spirit of the 1986 People Power revolt. Naga sits in the heart of Bikol, on the southeastern tip of Luzon island.
Unemployment is high and half the families live below the poverty line.
Yet the city has thrived over the past nine years. It all started when he was elected mayor in 1989. One way he did that was to set standard response times. For instance, officials had one day to attend to complaints about uncollected garbage before citizens could petition directly to the mayor's office. Aided by the city council, Robredo boosted social spending - by as much as 100 times in some instances.