Philippine Retirement News Volume 7, Issue 1, April 2023

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Environment: Creating

Environment: A Look at PRA’s 2023 Women’s Month A Look at PRA’s 2023 Women’s Month Celebration Celebration

by Jessa Marie M. Rioflorido

For 2023 to 2028, the National Women’s Month celebration theme is WE for gender equality and inclusive society which promotes gender equality and inclusivity while recognizing the vital role of women in society.

PRA annually participates in this endeavor as part of its commitment to create a more inclusive and safe environment for women and everyone - retirees, stakeholders and employees.

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PRA's2023Women's MonthCelebration Page3 "GearingupforSummer"

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As part of the month-long celebration, PRA's Servicing Division gave scented candle souvenirs to women retiree-members who visited PRA Head Office as token of appreciation for their continued support to PRA Programs and in recognition of their vital role and contribution to the society These candles symbolize PRA’s warm welcome to the women retiree-members for making the Philippines their preferred retirement destination. (continued on page 3)

My esteemed greetings and felicitations to our valued members and stakeholders!

Marching along the cadence of our national government’s development agenda as well as of PRA Board of Trustees’ coveted policies and goals, we’re happy to share with you some of our recent post-pandemic strides and achieved targets:

For the year 2022 until the 1st quarter of 2023, we have registered a total of 3,242 new SRRV enrollees;

As of March 31, 2023, we have 42 Accredited Marketers, 14 Merchant Partners, and 37 Retirement Facilities;

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For PRA’s marketing and promotions in 2022 and the 1st quarter of 2023, our Clients Relations and Program Development Division (CRPDD) has participated in 32 promotional events – 25 local, 7 international.

Moreover, we have awarded a total of 46 advertisements - digital, print, and out-of-home media, placed locally and internationally, including Asia and Europe;

·We have successfully finalized and submitted to the Governance Commission for GOCCs our 2023 Performance Scorecard; and

PRA’s GAD Plan and Budget for 2023 has been endorsed by the Philippine Commission on Women after the former has successfully met the required GAD budget allocation and complied with all the requested revisions by the latter.

As we move forward to widening the base of the retirement age for our enrollees, we shall likewise be unrelenting in improving and retrofitting our services and programs according to contemporary demands, requirements and developments. On this note, we would also continue to mine services, benefits and privileges that are value-adding to our retiree members. This will include more cooperation with providers from the private sectors.

With all these achievements, we thank you for your unwavering support and contribution to the Authority It is my hope that we continue our cooperation in our goal of making the Philippines truly a preferred retirement destination.

Atty. Bienvenido K. Chy Atty. Bienvenido K. Chy

General Manager / CEO General Manager / CEO Philippine Retirement Authority Philippine Retirement Authority

(continued from page 1)

For its employees, a seminar on Gender and Development entitled “Women of Significance” was conducted by Ms. Carmie Pascual De Leon from People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) as the Guest Speaker. Moreover, male employees from different divisions serenaded the female employees during the “Harana Para Kay Juana” , which took place during the Flag Ceremony last March 27, 2023. This event was organized to honor and show appreciation to all the female employees for their work and efforts within the organization. Lastly, free lunch was served to all PRA employees on March 30, 2023 to culminate the celebration

The month-long celebration reflects PRA’s commitment to provide a workplace environment that is inclusive of all genders, through the appreciation and empowerment of women in the workplace. Indeed, the Authority is an organization which highlights the achievements of women and promotes their growth and advancement.

Y2 RESIDENCE HOTEL: Y2 RESIDENCE HOTEL:

FFINDZENAMIDST INDZENAMIDST TTHEBUSTLINGCITY HEBUSTLINGCITY

ByCarmelJoyL.Llabore

A number of retirees have chosen the Philippines as their second home because of its warm weather, friendly people and rich culture. Living in the country for a long-term period gives a retiree great value and quality of living during the latter years of their lives They create a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle through learning new skills, volunteering, traveling and maintaining good health and wellness.

Located in the heart of Metro Manila, Makati City is a bustling and vibrant city known for its skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls and lively nightlife But beyond the hustle and bustle of the city life, Makati offers a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating activities, making it a great residential consideration and staycation destination for people of all ages.

One of the best ways to unwind in Makati is by staying in one of the city's deluxe hotels or by experiencing a private staycation in a cozy apartment. Staycation allows a retiree to see the local attractions and take advantage of activities that may not be feasible on a day-to-day basis. It provides opportunities for exploration, connectivity, and self-care. It also gives them a different perspective during retirement life – to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

If anyone is looking for a sanctuary with complete amenities, Y2 Residence Hotel is a place that balances convenience and serenity for all the guests This accommodation is a unique upscale serviced apartment located in the heart of Makati City. Here are some of the features that make Y2 Residence Hotel popular:

Strategic Location. It is situated near the central business district of Makati, making it an ideal choice for business travelers. It is also surrounded by a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Unique and Modern Design. Y2 Residence Hotel features a modern and sleek design that exudes sophistication, with each unit uniquely designed with different themes. The rooms are decorated with dramatic black-and-white touches, hand-painted walls, and vivid artworks It is furnished with minimalist pieces to complement an over-all relaxing and soothing ambiance.

Complete Amenities. Y2 Residence Hotel offers complete amenities that cater to the needs of its guests. The rooms are equipped with a fully functional kitchen, living area, and dining area. The building also features a gym at the Upper Penthouse, a rooftop swimming pool, Yin and Yang function room and OVO restaurant.

Exceptional Service. As of June 30, 2022, Y2 Residence Hotel was reissued a Safety Seal which recognizes the efforts of tourism establishments to ensure consumer safety amidst the pandemic. The Hotel complies with the prescribed health and safety protocols established by COVID-19 authorities Its facilities are well-maintained and sanitized, and employees are meticulously trained on COVID-19 prevention measures. It continues to provide its guests with the service they know and love, while enhancing its cleaning & disinfection protocols to ensure the safety of its guests, its employees, and the community

Sustainability Features. Y2 Residences is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly features in the building. These include energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and a recycling program.

Makati always has a perfect place to offer for everyone, especially the retirees. So why not find your Zen amidst the bustling city and plan your next staycation in Y2 Residence Hotel?

4687 Santiago St., corner B. Valdez and Singian Sts. Makati City, Metro Manila 2013

Gearing up for Summer Gearing up for Summer

REDISCOVER BAGUIO CITY REDISCOVER BAGUIO CITY

byCamilleAnneM.Maitem

Nothing beats the satisfaction of living the rest of your life free of obligations after decades of working the daily grind. What comes next for you is that it's finally time to retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor after working so hard for so long

Choosing the perfect place to retire and unwind in peace is certainly the goal for anyone considering retirement. Given all the places the Philippines has to offer, Baguio City, if not the best, is among the cities that offer a better environment for retirees.

The tourism center of the Cordilleras is Baguio. It is home to various tourist attractions and is a popular weekend destination of local and foreign tourists. The best iconic locations to visit in Baguio are Mines View Park, Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Baguio Cathedral, and The Diplomat Hotel.

Be one with nature, ride a bike or boat, join exciting adventures, and do as much shopping as you like these are just some of the few things you can do in Baguio Other new and rising tourist spots are the Igorot Stone Kingdom, Mirador Hill and Eco Park. Baguio also paved the way to other northern tourist locations, including Banaue and Sagada.

The Panagbenga Festival is another reason tourists visit Baguio. It is an annual flower festival held during the month of February that highlights the local floral industry through a parade of huge, vibrantly colored floats decorated with flowers. Visitors also look forward to the Grand Street Parade which showcases cultural dances wherein the locals are dressed in bright costumes and distinctive traditional clothing. Thousands of people gather every year to experience the festivities during the Panagbenga.

Baguio (Loakan) Airport resumed commercial operations last December 2022. It is to help boost the growth of the city’s economy and tourism industry.

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Panagbenga Festival

Baguio is a peaceful, green city

Baguio is situated in a mountainous environment. It is about 8 degrees Celsius cooler compared to Manila and other major cities in the Philippines. Getting up every day with a cup of coffee or tea on a cool, breezy morning is guaranteed to warm the hearts of any retiree. The lush forest and the serene green surroundings promote relaxation.

Because of its tranquil ambiance and cold mountain weather, Baguio is hailed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the City of Pines. It is a refreshing break from the tropical heat of the Philippine climate because pine trees are planted all over the city

Baguio is not crowded even though it is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines for both local and foreign tourists. With the influx of visitors, maintaining peace and order is the city’s top priority, which supports the efforts to revive the local economy. Over the past decades, Baguio City has had one of the lowest crime rates in the Philippines.

Baguio is budget-friendly

The low cost of living is one of the reasons why foreign retirees stay permanently in Baguio. Food, transportation, and rental properties are significantly less expensive in Baguio compared to Metro Manila and other cities like Cebu and Davao Fruits and vegetables are also fresh. Moreover, electric consumption is significantly lower in Baguio City since air conditioners are not a necessity and fans are more than enough to keep you cool even during the summer.

Baguio is culturally diverse

Baguio City has established its reputation as one of the best places to retire in the Philippines, not just because of its cool climate and inexpensive cost of living but also because of its people and the city's unique identity. The culture and arts of the numerous ethnic groups thriving here have become the center of tourism, business, and commerce.

The multicultural and diverse city of Baguio was designated by UNESCO as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts in 2017. It is a project promoting cooperation between cities that regard creativity as central to their urban development. For Baguio, this artistic culture ranges from crafts and folk art expressions to woodcarving, silver craft, weaving, and tattooing.

ourist destination, Baguio City is a wonderful place to live in As an rties in Baguio are strategically and conveniently located. Everything that the residents need is practically within arm's reach. Most necessities for living a comfortable life are located in easy-access areas, such as supermarkets, malls, hospitals, schools, and offices.

Purchasing a property in Baguio City is a wise and excellent long-term investment that can increase in value and become an income-generating asset over time.

PRA in Baguio City

Fort its many offerings, Baguio is a preferred retirement destination in the Philippines. Currently, more than 2000 PRA retirees and their families are living in Baguio as well as the nearby towns in the Cordilleras What makes Baguio more appealing as a retirement destination is the presence of our PRA Baguio Satellite Office in the heart of the city, making it easier for retiree-members to seek assistance with their SRRV and other needs.

Baguio Satellite Office is located at Unit 8, Bldg.3 Nevada Square, No.2 Loakan Road, Baguio City They are open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays. You may contact them through telephone: +639175755605 or email: baguio@pra.gov.ph.

Other Satellite Offices:

Clark-Subic Satellite Office

3rd Floor Savers Mall, Best Western Metro Clark McArthur Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga 2009

Telephone No: +639178553811

Email: clarksubic@pra.gov.ph

Cebu Satellite Office

Unit 202 Club Ultima Tower II, Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Jones Ave, Cebu City

Telephone No: +639173071943

Email: cebu@pra.gov.ph

Learn all you need to know about the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)!

For inquiries, clarifications, and concerns, please course them through the following email addresses and mobile numbers:

Davao Satellite Office Suite A306 Plaza de Luisa Building, Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City

Telephone No: +639175750419

Email: davao@pra.gov.ph

SRRV Applicants and Representatives: https://bit ly/3Dz78Nu

servicing@pra.gov.ph ForsubmittedSRRVApplications 8848-1412

processing@pragovph

www.pra.gov.ph

Marketer's Accreditation

Orientation: https://bit.ly/3HQ16uw