(Photo courtesy of PNA)
ILOILO CITY – The municipal government of Sta. Barbara in Iloilo is seeking private investors to develop a retirement community aimed at attracting retirees looking for affordable housing, accessible services, and a peaceful living environment.
Mayor Dennis Superficial said Thursday that the local government has identified Barangay Camambugan as the initial location for the proposed development, which would feature a small residential subdivision designed for retirees.
“That will only be the start. Of course, we are selling it to possible investors that are willing to establish retirement rooms,” Superficial said during an interview on the sidelines of a news conference for the 24th Bamboo Tee golf tournament organized by the Iloilo Golf and Country Club (IGCC).
Located near Iloilo International Airport, Camambugan offers a hilly landscape that the municipal government considers suitable for a retirement community.
Superficial said Sta. Barbara’s improved road network, with most roads already concreted, provides convenient access to transportation and essential services.
He added that the municipality’s outlying villages offer a natural environment, with the local government continuing efforts to preserve local flora and fauna.
Another advantage, according to the mayor, is the proposed establishment of the Iloilo provincial government center in Sta. Barbara, which could make government services more accessible to future residents.
“If you are a retiree and you need services of the government agencies, they’re all here,” Superficial said.
He also pointed to the municipality’s proximity to Iloilo City, where retirees can access hospitals and other health care facilities.
Reliable telecommunications connectivity is another factor that could attract retirees, particularly those who want to maintain regular communication with family members living elsewhere.
Superficial emphasized the affordability of living in the municipality compared with retirement facilities abroad.
“In the United States, you spend at least $50,000 per month to be admitted into a retirement home. Here you can stretch your PHP50,000 for that,” he said.
Beyond housing and essential services, the local government also intends to promote recreational opportunities as part of its retirement community proposal.
Superficial noted that golf remains a popular activity among retirees, particularly those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
He identified the historic golf course operated by the IGCC in Barangay Sebastian as a potential attraction for prospective residents.
The municipality is also completing a sports complex as part of its broader plan to position Sta. Barbara as a sports and recreation destination.
“We will be presenting the IGCC as a major sports here in Sta. Barbara,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, the upcoming 24th Bamboo Tee golf tournament, scheduled for November 12 to 15, is expected to attract between 300 and 350 golfers.
The tournament has the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT), which is promoting golf tourism as an emerging market in Western Visayas.
DOT Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said golf tourism presents opportunities to attract visitors with specific recreational interests.
“We want to tap into that market segment, the golfers,” Rodriguez said.
The proposed retirement community remains in the investment promotion stage, with the municipal government encouraging private developers to explore opportunities in Sta. Barbara.
