All of which begs the question, of course, of why not the Philippines? It\u2019s certainly not for lack of trying.<\/p>\n
In 2022, the country\u2019s digital economy grew by 11 percen<\/a>t<\/strong> from the previous year to P2.08 trillion, contributing 9.4 percent of the gross domestic product, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. And last year those numbers were expected to grow even more.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile migration is traditionally the go-to way to leave (in order to live),\u201d Kay Calpo Lugtu wrote<\/a> in this newspaper last year, \u201cwe are seeing more and more countries transform [their ways] of welcoming foreigners.\u201d She\u2019s the CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a Philippine company dedicated, she says, to \u201cdigital and culture transformation.\u201d<\/p>\n Indeed, an online publication called A Complete Digital Nomad Philippines Guide <\/a>praises the country\u2019s beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, affordability, diverse cuisine, nightlife, and hospitable culture. Another one entitled How to Become a Digital Nomad<\/a> in the Philippines lists its 9 top nomadic locations as Manila, Cebu, Davao, Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, General Santos, Baguio, and La Union.<\/p>\n Historically, two major drawbacks have undermined the Philippines\u2019 appeal to digital wanderers. First, its lack of consistent high-speed internet, especially outside the country\u2019s major metropolitan areas. Second, the absence of special visas like those offered by Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bali, and Spain.<\/p>\n The first problem was largely averted by last year\u2019s introduction of billionaire Elon Musk\u2019s Starlink satellite internet service nationwide. And the second, many expect, will soon be eased by the issuance of nomadic-friendly visas allowing working foreigners uninterrupted stays of a year or more. Qualified applicants will likely need valid passports, certain income levels, documented employment by companies or clients outside the Philippines, clean criminal records, and international health insurance covering them while they\u2019re here.<\/p>\n One of the highlights of the three-day Siargao conference I missed, in fact, was a presentation on House Bill No. 8165\u2014known as the Digital Nomad Visa Bill<\/a>\u2014introduced by Surigao del Norte First District congressional representative Francisco Jose Matugas II.<\/p>\n It\u2019s still pending. As are the dates of Siargao\u2019s next digital nomad conference. No longer pending, I hope, will be my attendance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FREE SUBSCRIPTION HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n _______________________<\/p>\n <\/p>\n David Haldane is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster with homes in Joshua Tree, California, and Northern Mindanao, Philippines. His latest book, A Tooth in My Popsicle, <\/em>is available on Amazon<\/a>.<\/strong> This column appears weekly in The Manila Times<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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