(Left to Right) PRA General Manager and CEO Roberto Z. Zozobrado, Zamboanga City Mayor Khrymer Adan T. Olaso,and Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Dr. Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez answer questions during the open forum at the joint Philippine Retirement Authority Promotion Event and Zamboanga City Business and Tourism Mission held on 13 August 2026 at the Philippine Center in New York.
NEW YORK, 16 August 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York and the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York hosted the Philippine Retirement Authority Promotion Event and Zamboanga City Business and Tourism Mission at the Philippine Center on 13 August 2026, bringing together initiatives to promote the Philippines as a destination for retirement, business, investment, and tourism.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile highlighted the value of bringing Philippine agencies and local governments directly to the New York market to engage prospective partners and members of the Filipino-American community.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile welcomes officials of the Philippine Retirement Authority and the City Government of Zamboanga to the joint promotion event.
PRA General Manager and CEO Roberto Z. Zozobrado presented the Philippines as a retirement destination and discussed the programs and opportunities available to foreign nationals and former Filipinos considering making the country their retirement home.
PRA General Manager and CEO Roberto Zozobrado presents the Philippines’ programs and opportunities for foreign nationals and former Filipinos considering retirement in the country.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khrymer Adan T. Olaso then presented the city’s opportunities for business and investment. The Mayor highlighted Zamboanga City’s role as an important economic center in Western Mindanao and invited prospective investors and partners to explore opportunities in the city.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso presents business and investment opportunities in Zamboanga City to New York-based stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Dr. Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez, through her presentation “Zamboanga: Asia’s Latin City & Beyond,” showcased the city’s distinctive cultural identity, Chavacano heritage, cuisine, natural attractions, and diverse tourism experiences.
The presentations were followed by an open forum and networking session where the participants interacted directly with representatives of the PRA and the Zamboanga City Government.
Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Dr. Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez showcases the city’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, and tourism offerings.
The joint event highlighted the complementary opportunities the Philippines offers to the North American market as a retirement haven, a destination for business and investment, and a country rich in unique travel experiences.
The activity forms part of the Philippine Consulate General in New York’s continuing efforts to support Philippine government agencies and local government units in expanding economic, tourism, and people-to-people engagement with partners in the northeastern United States. END
