CLARK FREEPORT --- The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) has named Angeles as a retiree-friendly city.
Mayor Edgargo Pamintuan received the award from PRA General Manager Bienvenido K. Chy during the induction of officers of the Philippine Retirement and Investment Industry (PRII) at Midori Hotel here last Thursday, December 14.
The PRA awarded Pamintuan for his "exemplary initiatives in leading Angeles City to gain the reputation as a retiree-friendly city."
Chy at the same time disclosed that the PRA is firm in its resolve to make the Philippines an investors' haven and a retirees' paradise.
This, according to Chy, is because Philippines is a caring nation of hospitable and friendly people and that the cost of living here is lower compared to other countries.
Aside from these, the Philippines has remained the second fastest growing economy in the entire Asia with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of this year.
Under the current national leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, the country is now a safer and more secure place for retirees, tourists and investors, Chy added.
As of May 30, 2017, the PRA has registered a total of 53,355 enrolled retirees in the whole country, Chy said.
The influx of tourists, investors, and expats into the Philippines has remained unabated, he added.
"About 52 percent of the expats in the country found better personal fulfillment working in the Philippines than in their home countries," Chy said
PRII Chairman ALbert Dela Cruz, for his part, said their group is an association of businessmen, government officials from the tourism, investment and retirement departments.
Dela Cruz is also the chair of the Philippine Globe Ventures Realty and COnstruction Corporation (PGVRCC), the Philippine partner of Sino Greatwall Construction Company based in China.
"So we are inviting other business people to join us in welcoming the more than 500 million retirees, half of the population of the globe. May mga more than 40 and 50 years of age, retirement age is 35 above who are already qualified special retirement visa," Dela Cruz said.
With the help of PRII PResident Richard Co Gonzalo, the group is expecting that thousands of tourists and retirees will visit Philippines, Dela Cruz, who is also real estate consultant, licensed broker, a PRC-accredited lecturer, added.
Other officers of PRII are chairman for Subic Freeport Michael Macapagal (president, PDP Laban Olongapo/ Zambales); chairman for North Luzon Mayor Reynolan Teteng Sales (Pagudpud , Ilocos Norte and President/CEO, Saud Beach Resort); chairman for Mainland U.S. and Micronesia Jack Alejandro (licensed international real estate broker); chairman for Chinese Market Mein Rebecca Chen (president, Guangdong Run Hui); chairman, Pampanga Councilor Rondon Mercado (Minalin); chairman, motor sports, Tomas Pastor (International Motor Sports producer); chairman, real estate industry, Chris Garrido (licensed broker/developer); chairman, food industry, Max Poblete (Chinese food industry); chairman, medical tourism, Dr. Bryan U. Ang (aesthetic surgeon); chairman, Phil-Korea Economic Council, retired general Enrique S. Atanacio ( PCCI); chairman, restaurant industry, Conte Jeon (Kang San Ae Meat Buffet Restaurant); chairman, dental health industry, Dr. Jonie Canda (dentist); chairman, media relations, Karen Tui (writer on Track Publicity Events); and spiritual director Rev. Pastor Petet Alcantara.