The Philippines has secured the title of Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards, a distinction that tourism officials say reflects growing international confidence in the country as a place to settle long term, not merely to visit.
Reacting to the recognition, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the award underscores how overseas audiences increasingly view the Philippines as a viable home for retirees.
“This award affirms what the global community increasingly sees; the Philippines is not only a beautiful place to visit but also a place to call home,” Frasco told local media.
She attributed the country’s appeal to qualities that extend beyond landscapes and leisure, pointing instead to social values that shape everyday life for older residents.
“Retirees choose the Philippines because the warmth of our country transcends our destinations and is deeply rooted in our culture of care, hospitality, and compassion,” she added.
According to Frasco, the citation also places pressure on government agencies to continue upgrading programs and services designed to safeguard the comfort, dignity, and overall well-being of retirees choosing to live in the country.
In line with that goal, the Philippine Retirement Authority has been working with the Department of Tourism to refine the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, a flagship pathway for foreign nationals and returning overseas Filipinos seeking permanent or long-term residence.
The PRA has reported that the Philippines now hosts more than 83,000 holders of the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa, a figure that reflects steady growth in the country’s retiree population. This effort is supported by the agency’s “We Care” campaign, which aims to expand the Philippines’ share of the global retirement market.
Unlike many destinations that prioritize younger or short-term visitors, the Philippines has actively positioned itself as welcoming to older migrants, a stance often linked to strong cultural respect for elders and family-oriented social norms. These values have helped foster established expatriate communities in several regions.
Affordability remains a major draw. Reports cited by Unbiased indicate that in provincial and secondary urban centers such as Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Albay, Sorsogon, and Dumaguete, a monthly budget of around $1,000 can cover housing, food, and basic services without significant financial pressure.
Daily life is further eased by widespread English use in government, healthcare, and social settings, as well as established expatriate networks in cities like Davao. The country’s geographic position in Asia and its tropical climate also factor into relocation decisions for retirees.
Healthcare access is another consideration frequently highlighted by retirees, with major urban centers offering modern medical facilities and internationally trained doctors at costs generally lower than those in the United States or Europe. Coverage through private insurance and health maintenance organizations—including Intellicare, Maxicare, MediCard, PhilCare, and iCare—remains widely available to foreign residents.
