As the center for commerce, education and culture, Naga is the acknowledged  trendsetter of the Bicol region.

[Roots]
Naga's position as business leader traces its roots back to the Spanish era. It was then the trading center for a flourishing abaca export industry in Bicol which accounted for 50% of world trade. Various factors contributed to its later decline during subsequent periods in its development. Beginning in the 1980s, however, Naga City experienced a resurgence-- regaining its pre-eminent position in just a few years' time.

[Dynamic Local Economy]
Re-establishing its position as the center of trade and commerce as well as the educational, religious and cultural capital of Bicol, Naga has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few decades.

With an annual growth rate of 6.5%, Naga is now one of the fastest growing local economies in the country.

[Location of Choice]
Top multinational, national and regional firms have made Naga their home, most of them riding on the crest of the city's economic boom starting in the late 1980s. Totaling 5,000 as of January 31, 2002, the list includes such giants as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, San Miguel Corporation, the Ayala Group of Companies and others.

[Central Access to Major Markets]
Naga City's immediate market includes a fast-growing population of nearly 5 million in the 6 provinces of Region V (Bicol), one of the Philippines' 15 administrative regions.

The city's annual per capita income, in 1998, was pegged at US$ 4,630-- 42% and 126% higher than the Philippine and Bicol averages, respectively.

However, for most, Naga's attraction lies in the fact that not only is it the "Heart of Bicol", but that it provides an ideal staging point for operations targeting the Southern Luzon and Visayas markets. For instance, by air, one can reach Cebu or Manila within 45 minutes.

[Trailblazer]
Because of its unique position in the market, Naga is the launching pad for new enterprises. Many companies find Naga an ideal place to test new products-- some music studios even use Naga to gauge the chances of success of a new record.

Naga is also among the first to adopt new trends and innovations whether in technology or in other areas of endeavor.