ILOILO City’s Mayor Joe Espinosa III reportedly invited investors to Iloilo during his recent trade mission to the US on a team-up with PHILCOMAN or the Philippine Council of Management coinciding with the Philippine Independence Day celebration of Fil-Ams in New York.
Establishing a retirement haven or “golden village” is what we have in mind to recommend as one of the ideas for Mayor Joe to invite investments to Iloilo. This is especially directed to citizens of foreign countries looking for retirement destinations.
We have obtained figures of the number of retirees from major foreign countries, age 65 or over, that may be attracted to live in Iloilo:
* US – 36.3 million, 12 percent
* Japan – 24.2 million, 19 percent
* Germany – 15.1 million, 18 percent
* Italy – 11.1 million, 19 percent
* France – 9.9 million, 16 percent
* UK – 9.5 million, 16 percent
* Philippines – 3.4 million, 4 percent
Retirees from developed countries like the ones listed above look for destinations with hospitable and friendly people, a good climate, and where their retirement income will go a long way in providing the basic comforts of life.
The Philippine condition is considered by many as ideal to meet such requirements, especially Iloilo which is a fast-growing metropolis and geographically located at the center of the archipelago.
We believe we are the most hospitable English-speaking people in the world, exempt from cold winter, and where a typical retirement income from abroad can provide amenities for a nice residence with helpers that foreign retirees cannot otherwise afford to have in their home countries.
Add to this some 372,000 retired Filipinos that are living in the US, 65 years old or over, who may be attracted also to come home if we have facilities like the one to be set up at “Golden V” complete with a health program in the village to keep the doctor away.
It shall have extended facilities for relaxation, recreation and health care for its residents. For example, there will be a fitness center with gym for aerobics, a dance studio and yoga. It should also have a doctor’s clinic, a cardio machine, a massage and beauty center, laundry services, and a service vehicle to be used for maintenance and engineering, as well as for ambulance in emergencies.
We believe it will be a great project for the city to put up a retirement village as conceived here which can make Iloilo a major retirement destination.
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Historical Quote of the Week
“The first Filipino to launch the propaganda movement in Spain is Ilonggo patriot Graciano Lopez-Jaena of Jaro. He is also known as the greatest orator the Philippines has ever produced.” (For comment or reactions, please email to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com)/PN
