Expect a deluge of retirees flocking to our shores in the coming months or years because of recent announcement in the Overseas Retirement Letter which lists Dumaguete as one of the world’s best retirement havens.
The report states that this ranking was brought about by the affordable cost of living here in the City, the tropical climate, the warm English-speaking community, and the beautiful beachfront scenery.
A press release from the City Tourism Office said the scoring used for the ranking was based on criteria that are crucial to retirees such as climate, beautiful sceneries, groceries, health care, and other needs.
There is nothing in the report that we Dumaguetenos don’t already know.
Now, the secret is out for the world to see.
The same information is found in many other websites, and is surely going to reach the world’s aging but computer-literate population, who may make the bold move of adding themselves to the number of retired people in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental.
Now the question: Are we ready?
This is a question the City’s planners need to really ponder on. Are our streets safe for elderly people? Can our retirees walk safely, or ride their wheelchairs on our sidewalks? Do we have enough open spaces to allow the people to breathe?
What avenues are there for retirees, especially those coming from other countries, to contribute positively and integrate themselves in our community? Are our hospitals capable of meeting the needs of foreign nationals? Are their health insurances valid in Dumaguete?
The future scenario is both exciting and worrisome. But there’s no backing out now. We tried so hard to promote ourselves to the world. Now, the world has taken notice. We just hope we don’t get to bite more than we can chew.
