CAMARINES SUR, Philippines - In Camarines Sur, a successful city is an exception rather than the rule. The province is among the poorest in the country, providing a challenge for its next leader.

Natashya Gutierrez filed this video blog.

Of the 37 municipalities and cities of Camarines Sur, only one is considered urban by the National Statistical Coordination board: the independent City of Naga. Camarines Sur is very different from this city. In fact, Naga--busy, buzzing, and successful--is an anomaly.
The province of Camarines Sur is among the poorest in the country. Latest statistics show Camarines Sur in 2009 had a poverty incidence of 38.7%--hardly any different from 2003 with a poverty incidence of 38.3%. That's a difference of only 0.4% in 6 years. In turn, health and education statistics in the province are also low. It is the 3rd province in the country with the highest number of poor families since 2003. This is what is at stake in the 2013 midterm elections. The need for poverty alleviation programs is clear. The province needs a leader that is committed to improving the poverty situation in the province or it will find itself again in the bottom of the list.
Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler, Naga City.

- Rappler.com