The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) continued to solidify their partnership in making the country one of the world’s premier retirement and tourism destinations. PRA CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado told “The Chairman’s Report” hosted by CFO Secretary Dante Ang II on IBC-13 that the country is poised to attract thousands of retirees and returning Filipinos through its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program under the Department of Tourism. “The Philippines is not just a vacation spot — it’s a place to live your golden years in comfort and community,” Zozobrado said. “What truly makes the Philippines unique is its people — the hospitality, the care, the sense of belonging. That’s something money can’t buy,” he said. Ang said the CFO, which promotes the welfare of Filipinos overseas, supports various programs like the PRA’s that bridge the diaspora with investment and reintegration opportunities. Many former overseas Filipinos are now returning home to retire, bringing not only remittances but also expertise and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to local economies, Ang said. “Retirement investment is another form of diaspora engagement,” he said. “When former overseas Filipinos choose to retire in the Philippines, they reinvest their resources and experiences into the country, strengthening our global connection.” Zozobrado said the PRA’s SRRV program offers foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens a long-term residency option with benefits such as tax incentives, health care access, and investment opportunities. It has drawn retirees from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia — and increasingly, digital nomads seeking a flexible lifestyle in a tropical setting, the PRA chief said. Zozobrado said the Philippines’ affordability and English proficiency give it a competitive edge over similar retirement destinations such as Spain, Portugal, or Malaysia, where investment requirements are higher. “Our visa program is accessible and transparent — you don’t need to buy property to retire here,” he said. Zozobrado acknowledged the need for more world-class retirement and assisted living facilities to serve the growing market. “We need to build more integrated communities with healthcare, leisure, and security — not just condos,” he said, calling on investors to seize the opportunity to develop the industry. More than 61,000 SRRV holders contribute to the Philippine economy through spending, property investment, and job creation, the PRA head told “The Chairman’s Report.” He said that his agency also aims to expand that figure as it strengthens partnerships with local governments to provide accessible services and assistance to retirees nationwide. Zozobrado added that the government’s broader tourism and diaspora strategy is a “’win-win, benefiting retirees, communities, and the national economy. “Every foreign retiree or balikbayan who settles here supports local industries — from healthcare to hospitality,” he said.