Numbeo, a database about living conditions, has outlined the safest place to live in the Philippines. The cities of Baguio, Makati, Valenzuela, and Cebu made the list. The Philippines is one of the best countries to retire. The tropical breeze, rich cultural history, and immeasurable hospitality attract people from different parts of the globe. Retirement in this wonderful country is promising. The Philippines, an archipelago nation that is rich in culture and history, has a lot to offer.
Becoming Filipino
Choosing the safest place to live in the Philippines is measured accordingly. It has to be safe from earthquakes and floods. Remember, the Philippines is a tropical and archipelagic country. This is located in the Ring of Fire, the hotspot of volcanic activities is the Pacific.
Safety from Earthquakes
One of the biggest considerations is earthquakes. Earthquakes in the country is expected. The volcanic activities and the geological characteristics make the country prone to such events. Some places are less prone to earthquakes than others. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), there should be a 5-meter safety away from the fault lines. There are two fault lines to consider: the East Valley and the West Valley. The East Valley snakes across Rodriguez and San Mateo (Rizal). Meanwhile, the West Valley travels across Cavite, some areas in Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Makati, Muntinlupa, and Taguig. Earthquakes generate a magnitude as high as 7.5. Living from a distance is not spared from feeling the earthquake. However, if you will be considering the safest place to live in the Philippines, then best choose one away from the fault lines.
Away from Floods
Geographic location makes the Philippines prone to heavy rains and floods. A tropical country, it experiences only hot (hot, hotter, and hottest) and rainy seasons. However – as the saying goes – “when it rains, it pours.” There are some areas more prone to heavy rains and, thus, flooding. The National Capital Region, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas are most affected. This occurs between July to October, the crucial rainy months. Meanwhile, there are low-risk areas with high elevation such as Taguig, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Taguig, and Caloocan.
Crime Prevention and Public Safety
Makati City is recorded to have the lowest crime rate in the country. Residents account for feeling safe in the city. Valenzuela and Davao City have low crime rates as well. Visitors are usually concerned about robbery, assault, bribery, and corruption. However, the country has a system intact in lowering crime rates. Crime rates have decreased over the past years. The Philippine National Police, for instance, has recorded a 15.36 % decrease in crime rates since 2015.
Safest Place to Live in the Philippines
Generally, it is safe to live in the Philippines. Not to mention, rewarding. The people are the most attractive aspect of the fun-loving county. However, here are 5 of the safest places yet. We have considered the warm and hospitality of the locals, including the ease in lifestyle. These top 5 are historical markers in the country. Retirement will be practical, easy, and peaceful.
Baguio City
The “City of Pines,” this is an area in the northern part of Luzon. Tourists flock to this city constantly. The fine cold weather and the sweet-smelling pine trees entrench a wave of comfort. This city is the educational and financial center of the Cordillera, the cluster of mountainous provinces in the north.
Summer Capital of the Philippines
Baguio City boasts of memorable tourist spots. The cold climate also makes it conducive to tourism. Panagbenga is one of the widely known events in the city. This is a festival celebrating agriculture and “blossoming.” People from the lowlands also celebrate Christmas and the Holy Week in the city. The population is known to double every holiday with all the visitors flocking into the city. The City has won the hearts of travellers. TripAdvisor has awarded Baguio in 2011 as the Traveller’s Choice. Aside from cultural events, Baguio is home to wonderful destinations such as Burnham Park, The Mansion, and Mines View Park.
But those popular destinations are only part of the fun. There are hidden gems not far from the city. It only takes a jeepney or taxi ride to get there. Tam-Awan Village and BenCab museum are two notable mentions. Tam-Awan Village is a spectacular representation of indigenous lifeways and lifestyle. It preserves tradition, popularizing the culture to visitors. BenCab, meanwhile, showcases artworks of one of the finest artists in the country. Bienvenido Cabrera is no less than the most esteemed artists, crossing genres with a vivid representation and interpretation of social issues, culture, and history. If you want a crash course on Philippine history, then BenCab can provide an artistic lecture. What better way to learn culture than through the arts?
Melting Pot of Cordillera Culture
The Cordillera comprises Benguet, Mountain Province, Baguio, Abra, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Apayao. This cluster is home to different indigenous communities. The Cordillerans pride themselves in preserving indigenous culture and traditions. Any visitor would know – from the city statues to the infrastructures – how proud Baguio is of its cultural heritage. Today, the population comprises migrants, students, and original populations. This contributes to the diversity in the city.
The Ibaloi community was the original inhabitants of the city. American colonization, opening doors to employment opportunities via mining, has caused lowlanders and foreigners alike to reside in the city. Baguio is home to the biggest colleges and universities in the north. Students from different parts of Luzon come to the city. They contribute to the diversity of the population. University of the Philippines Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of Baguio, Pines City Colleges, Philippine Military Academy, and University of the Cordilleras are some of the well-known educational centers.
A Heavenly Place to Retire
Baguio City is a highly urbanized area in the Philippines. The culture, tourism, and economy partake in this characteristic. It is one of the safest places to live in the Philippines. Local law enforcement ensures the safety of students, locals, and visitors all living in the urban hub. Crime rates are most attributed to vehicular accidents and theft. However, vehicular accidents overpower other forms of crimes. Diversifying demography contributes to unique policy implementations. Crime prevention and the criminal justice system are grounded on the changing population. Baguio City was ranked sixth as one of the safest cities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has a safety index of 59.43. The Baguio City Police Office also has high efficacy in providing crime solutions. In 2018, the BCPO was awarded as the country’s best police station.
Makati City
Makati City is known as the financial center of the country. It is home to various business enterprises and establishments. The city has towers upon towers of business offices, providing the highly urbanized vibe of the city. Here, banks and corporations conduct their daily operations. The locality is composed of international retailers and stores. No wonder people come to the city for employment, enjoyment, or both. Most of the population is working professionals.
Glitter and Gold
Glitter and gold speaks in Makati City. Makati City is the richest place in the Philippines. Business centers and developed districts contribute to the gold. As of 2012, Makati City has 62,000 business establishments and enterprises. In addition, it also has the highest number of Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) in the entire country. This is also home to the biggest trading spot of the Philippine Stock Exchange. Aside from being a financial center, Makati City has world-class destinations. This includes Little Tokyo, Magallanes Interchange, Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church, and Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Time.com has named Makati City as the “selfie capital of the world.” It is a fusion of traditional infrastructures and modern lifestyle. The city is home to the Manila Polo Club, Manila Golf Club, and the Makati Sports Club. It has all the retirement perks – a city swimming in glitter and gold.
Convenience and Comfort
Convenience and comfort makes Makati one of the safest places to live in the Philippines. Major roads and transportation criss-cross in the area. Transportation is accessible. Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) are situated nearby. Makati City has four stations. Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, and Magallanes are located in Makati. This makes going to other urban centers such as Quezon City and Pasig City easy. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is also a few minutes away from the city. Development in the city is continuous and progressing. Being a financial hotspot and cultural marker urges law enforcement to keep up. Law enforcement ensures safety and security in the area. This is a crucial feature since Makati is home to various business establishments. To add, it has no less than 20 diplomatic mission centers.
Safety from Earthquakes
The city has a relatively safe distance from the fault lines. Definitely, residents would feel the shakes and the trembles. However, the city is in a safe spot. The infrastructures in the city are the reassurance. Various towering buildings attest to the sustainability of the city.
Valenzuela City
This city owes its revolutionary history to Pio Valenzuela and the Katipunan, a revolutionary group that fought against Spanish colonization. Today, it is a diverse business center. It is located at the north of Metro Manila. Major industries have grown roots in the city.
Memory Lane
Valenzuela has a lot to offer. Aside from being an industrial center, it also has cultural markers. The revolutionary history of the people is embedded in preserved structures and celebrations. Notable sights and destinations include Arkong Bato, Harry C. Egbert Memorial, Museo Valenzuela, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, to name a few. The city provides that “Filipino spirit” born and bred from years of progress. Becoming Filipino is more fun in the revolutionary Valenzuela.
Crime Prevention and Waste Management
The city is one of the safest place to live in the Philippines. Crime prevention and waste management are major contributors. Numbeo has ranked Valenzuela as having one of the lowest crime rates. It has a safety index of 74.6 – second in the country’s safest places to be. To add, Asian Development Bank (ADB) has identified the city as having the highest number of recycling companies. Recycling of plastic materials is one forte in the city. This creates great potential in sustainable development. The city even converts biodegradable wastes into fertilizers.
Cebu City
Cebu is a popular tourist destination. But living here is just as rewarding. Cebu City is the second major urban center, next to Manila. It is the oldest city in the country, the first capital. Christianity in the country was also born in this city.
A Tourist Hotspot
Boracay is a well-known tourist spot in Cebu. Year after year, foreigners and locals go to Boracay. The white sands and the beautiful island magnetize an international audience. This provides jobs for the locals. Tourism is one of the major industries in Cebu. (Read more: Best Beaches on Cebu Island to Visit with Friends). The locals, therefore, are accustomed to seeing foreigners. They provide the best hospitality. Population diversity is more than welcomed in the city. The beaches and islands are a glimpse of the local economy. Cebu holds various shipbuilding companies. It has development zones that converge banking, information technology, and finance sectors. Meanwhile, real estate is a fast growing industry in Cebu. In 2012, real estate had a revenue growth of 18.8 %.
Rich Cultural History
Cebu is a great retirement spot. It is home to a rich culture. Destinations and hospitality were never second best. Retirement is enjoyed when it is celebrated with cultural roots. Travel across time to see the Magellan’s Cross, celebrating the birth of Christianity in 1521. Witness the fusion of folk tradition and Christianity in the Sinulog festival. Cebu incorporates sustainable tourism. UNESCO has included the city in the Network of Creative Cities in 2019. Cebu also has a grand sports complex, ALA Gym (boxing gym), and the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc.
Sustainable Growth
Sustainable growth accompanies Cebu. An interconnected grid powers most of the city. Communication technology is also intact. This is essential tourism and the shipbuilding industry. Cebu ranks eighth in the list of safest countries in Southeast Asia. It has a safety index of 55.72 %. Cebu is one of the safest place to live in the Philippines. This is attributed to the lively and sustainable tourism. In addition, the shipbuilding industry also demands safety solutions to preserve the local economy.
A Final Note
The Philippines is a promising retirement spot. The people, however, contribute largely to the warmth and the welcome. Retirement is lived out smoothly and peacefully. The safest place to live in the Philippines provides the comfort of hearth and home – no matter where you have come from. The Philippines is a home away from home. Baguio, Makati, Valenzuela, and Cebu are some of the safest place to live in the Philippines. Low crime rates, economy, location, climate, and culture all contribute to safeness. However, the local communities also contribute to the peace and quiet. Retirement is not only more fun in the Philippines. It is more sustainable and peaceful.
