Having reached the ripe old age of 70, I acknowledge there may be some irony, and unintentional humor, in my writing about the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority), and referring to it as one of the faces of Philippine Tourism that has promise, and a bright future. If anything, given the demographic that the agency caters to, it’s about sunset years, and being put out to pasture – and not about “bright futures.” But that’s just conventional thinking, and Bob Zozobrado, general manager and CEO of the Authority knows better, and is busy plotting his own version of the PRA’s “golden age.”

The media event organized by the PRA was held at the Microtel by Wyndham at the Mall of Asia, and it was an eye-opener in terms of track record, current accomplishments, and maximizing the potential of this specific Tourism segment. An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the PRA’s mission is to provide an attractive, responsive, and nurturing retirement program to global retirees. It’s been doing this since 1985, and as of November 2025, has issued 83,863 SRRV’s (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa).

The SRRV is a long term, non-immigrant visa program that allows foreigners and former Filipinos to live here permanently, with multiple entry/exit accommodation, specific tax exemptions on pensions and annuities, and enjoy discounts and benefits from partner merchants that include hotels and restaurants. One requirement is a deposit or bond – the amount ranges from $10,000 up to $50,000. After a holding period, deposits can be converted to real estate or local investments. And the application fee, that the PRA collects to act as it’s own revenue driver, is roughly $1,600/individual; with an annual renewal fee of $360.

Who have made use of this SRRV to date? It may surprise you to learn that of the 83,863 registered retirees; over 30,000 are from China (PROC), with South Korea tracking second at 15,000, and with India, a little over 7,000. The USA comes fourth, and Bob Zozobrado qualifies this by saying a number of those are returning Filipinos. Retirees coming from Taiwan and Japan come in fifth and sixth. Close to half of the 80,000 reside in the National Capital Region, with Central Visayas Region VII, Calabarzon Region IV-A, and Central Luzon Region III, the second to fourth favorite places where these retirees end up in.

Given this data, Zozobrado is confident that a strong marketing plan can make those in the USA and Europe aware of what we have to offer, and beef-up the numbers coming from those countries/region. One of the markets that’s already showing strong interest are German retirees, and important to them are the healthcare system and facilities, and the presence of nurses and caregivers. When you factor in how so many of the qualified nurses and caregivers all over the world originate from our country, there’s evidently a built-in advantage to what we can offer these retirees.

Mention is made of how there’s a publication called International Living, and it listed favorite retirement destinations from across the globe, and No. 1 is Panama, second is Portugal, and coming third is Mexico. The Philippines is ranked No. 11; but the observation is made that the former Ambassadors of Panama and Mexico to the Philippines, returned to our shores and have retired here. What that says about the rankings of International Living is open to conjecture; but for Bob Zozobrado’s ears, it sounds like a ringing endorsement for our country as the retirement destination of choice.

This was wonderfully reenforced when TripZilla announced their annual TripZilla Excellence awards, and declared the Philippines –Winner 2025 Best Retirement Destination. The TripZilla post of Oct. 21 confirmed this, with photos led by “Retire where every day feels like a holiday!” This was accompanied by photos that included a snack table by the beach, rowing in a lake beside a volcano while fishing, of hot air balloons, and one highlighting Filipino coffee culture.

One of the leading online travel media platform in Southeast Asia, TripZilla reaches more than 20 million travellers monthly. The Excellence Awards honors the finest travel brands that deliver the most enthralling travel experiences, and help enhance the travel industry. It’s of worth to note that besides copping the Best Retirement Destination, TripZilla awarded our Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines as Sustainability Leader of the Year.

The plans of the PRA to increase visibility and awareness in retiree markets should be given serious consideration; and there should be an internal prioritizing of where these efforts would be most productive. We are targetting individuals who will not just post a substantial bond and visit our country, but will stay here for years – that’s like creating a super-tourist, one who’ll have living expenses, hire people to help take care of them, invest in a condo or house, plus so many other incidentals. It’s a market where we can be globally competitive! Why be satisfied with ranking No. 11?