Moving to Philippines, guidelines and tips, part 1 of 10: Safety and Security

Oct. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- The advantages for making the move from a country like UK, USA, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia for example, to a country like Philippines are enormous.  Heavily in your favor are factors like asset values differentials and substantial reduction in cost of living.  Selling off your home probably gives you enough capital to not only live comfortably in a bigger property in Philippines but also to re-establish yourself in the business community by starting a business here too.

But before we get too enthusiastic over the move and start to be complacent about the necessary planning and research that should go into an important project like this, let’s look into several key issues that need your undivided attention.  

For this issue

Issue:  Safety and Security

Problem:  This is not just about protecting oneself and one’s family against threats that usually comes with living in a third-world country where law-and-order is less effective than in countries with less corruption.  Look at the financial aspects of elevating the standard of living to a reasonably threat-free level that the whole family is accustomed to back home.  To live in fear, even at a low level of threat, creates an enormous amount of stress that effaces all the perks and advantages of moving to the Philippines.

Strategy:  A winning strategy doesn’t always involve the installation of high-tech security system or surrounding oneself with bodyguards.  Turning a home into a high-security fortress goes against the flow of living and easy-going life in a tropical country.  Real estate slogan of “location, location and location” applies perfectly here.  It is actually possible to find an oasis in the Philippines, some sort of a haven for foreigners living in the Philippines hoping for peace and quiet but yet be able to enjoy all aspects of life in a tropical country.  Avoid remote locations that promise a dream of waking up to a private secluded beach every morning.  Beaches are plenty but they are for natives who have their roots in the waters and the sands.  Be practical and select a home base close to major cities but yet shielded from the nasty stuff that comes with cosmopolitan convenience.  Beaches, dive sites and golf courses can be reached within a short drive from home.  

Solution:  There are a number of locations in the Philippines that are well-kept secrets.  These are called special zones, industrial zones, economic zones but the best ones are the Freeport zones.  Tax and investment incentives aside (and these will be discussed later in another part of this series) these Freeport zones do not allow outright purchase of land.  Long-term leases (25 to 50 years) are offered instead.  This does not appeal to local residents.  As a result, these Freeport zones are largely inhabited by foreigners who in turn cause the estate to acquire an international look and feel, plus a higher standard of living.  Security is very tight in these zones and the infrastructures are much more advanced and integrated than in municipal cities.  Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga is one such example.  Clark is a mere 60 minutes from Metro Manila along the North Expressway which brings visitors straight into Clark Freeport without going through any city traffic along the way.  Complete with its own Clark International Airport DMIA which links Clark to all major cities in Asia, and thus the world, this city is fast replacing Manila as a preferred destination for multi-national companies like Samsung and Texas Instruments.  Crime rate is practically negligible and so are pollution levels and traffic problems.  (visit http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com for more information)

Many are selling off their assets to start a new life in Philippines, taking advantage of the standard-of-living differential to start a business or just enjoy living in a tropical country.  With careful planning, the move to Philippines can work out brilliantly or it can be a painful mistake.

For more information and some assistance on preparing your relocation to the Philippines, contact:

Yats Philippines Business Advisory
Manila Sales Office     
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  ask for Rea or Chay

Email:  Philippines@Yats-International.com

http://www.YatsLeisure.com

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Yats Philippines Business Advisory offers important news, suggestions, tips and information about living, doing business, retiring and planning a vacation in the Philippines.