The Department of Tourism (DOT) said Feb. 25 that it welcomed the recognition of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental as one of the Top 4 Budget-Friendly Asian Destinations for Affordable Retirement Living in the latest Investopedia report published Feb. 10.
The report describes Dumaguete as a walkable coastal town in Negros Island, known locally as the “City of Gentle People”, the DOT said.
The report also highlights the city’s growing expat community, vibrant university culture, affordable housing and dining options, and improved local healthcare infrastructure, positioning it among Asia’s most appealing places for retirees on a budget.
This recognition is due to the strong public-private partnerships among local stakeholders in Dumaguete, the retirement community, and the sustained efforts of its attached agency, the Philippine Retirement Authority, in advancing policies and programs that support long-stay visitors and retirees, the DOT said in a statement.
The citation comes on the heels of the Philippines’ recognition as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 2025 TripZilla Excellence Awards, further affirming the country’s growing reputation among global retirees.
The DOT noted that Investopedia is a U.S.-based financial education website widely regarded as a trusted source for investing, personal finance, and retirement planning, serving millions of readers worldwide. ||
