US firm eyes Subic retirement facility

MANILA, Philippines - An American company has expressed interest to develop a retirement facility in the Subic Bay Freeport.

In a statement posted on its website, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said officials of the American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW) recently met with SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia to discuss a possible development of a retirement facility in the freeport.

ABHOW is a non-profit and non-sectarian corporation engaged in providing housing as well as health care to older adults.

Citing a survey conducted among American and Filipino-American seniors, ABHOW president David Ferguson said many are considering the Philippines for their retirement.

“We are excited with the opportunity and see what Subic has to offer,” he said.

Randall Stamper, ABHOW board of directors chairman, said the company is interested in developing a retirement facility in Subic given the location’s accessibility.

Aside from being connected to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the Subic Bay Freeport also has its own seaport and airport.

Garcia said the Subic Bay Freeport is a preferred retirement destination with a number of facilities for the elderly already operating there.

“Subic is a perfect destination for American retirees because of the rich American culture here, a result of Subic’s being a former US naval base,” he said.

Garcia said the country has a number of nurses who could provide adequate care for the retirees.

Subic has become a popular location for several retirement homes due to its modern health and wellness facilities and laid-back atmosphere.