Pasay city: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has formed a partnership with migrant organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to create a model retirement community in the Philippines. This initiative aims to encourage overseas Filipinos and long-term migrants to return home and reintegrate into local communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, CFO Secretary Dante "Klink" Ang II stated that the project aligns with the CFO's mandate to support permanent and long-term migrants. This effort also aligns with the DMW's goals of reintegration and encouraging Filipinos abroad to engage politically, economically, and culturally with the Philippines. The initiative, named 'Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC),' is expected to provide an economic boost for the Philippines and offer overseas Filipinos a favorable retirement option.
The initial phase of the project will be piloted in San Pablo City, Laguna, with plans to expand to other areas in the future. Secretary Ang shared his personal experience of visiting San Pablo City, highlighting its suitability as a retirement location. The project envisions the CCRC as a 'social enterprise' model, where the diaspora and migrants can own and manage the facilities.
Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiatives Inc (ATIKHA) will serve as the lead convenor of the project. They will spearhead the development of a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited training center for healthcare services. The CCRC will be developed in collaboration with the DMW, National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), and the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative.
The DMW will focus on reintegrating contract workers and promoting the project through its Migrant Workers Offices worldwide. The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative will assist with land acquisition, while the NaFFAA will lead awareness and investment campaigns within the Filipino-American community.
ATIKHA board chairperson Estrella A±onuevo emphasized the growing aging population of overseas Filipinos and their inquiries about retirement options in the Philippines. The initiative aims to offer migrants a lower cost of living and stronger family and community ties, while local areas benefit from investment and employment opportunities.
Overseas Filipinos will pool their savings through a cooperative structure to collectively own and manage the retirement hub. NaFFAA National Chair Mariela Fletcher noted that around 4.5 million Filipino-Americans reside in the United States, with approximately 30 percent expressing interest in retiring in the Philippines. A±onuevo stated that the construction of the CCRC is scheduled to begin next year, with full development expected within five years.
