The SM Group, through SM Development
Corporation (SMDC), recently collaborated with Globe to roll-out the
#SeniorDigizen program in its residential properties, fostering a safe and
inclusive digital community for elderly residents. The initiative aligns
with SMDC’s commitment to protecting residents and encouraging a vibrant
community spirit by equipping senior citizens with the knowledge and tools to
navigate the online world safely.
The #SeniorDigizen offers free, tailored learning sessions on topics such as cybersecurity, fintech apps like GCash, and telehealth services like KonsultaMD. The pilot program was launched at Grass Residences in Quezon City, benefiting elderly residents who are often targeted by online scams. According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), senior citizens are frequent victims of digital fraud, which resulted in losses of approximately PHP 155 million in 2023.
“The SeniorDigizen program is part of our
ongoing commitment to empowering our senior residents with the tools and
knowledge they need to confidently navigate the digital world,” said Jessica
Bianca ‘Jica’ T. Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and
Strategy of SM Prime and SMDC. “Our goal is to create an immediate impact
within these communities, and as we continue to grow the initiative, we plan to
reach out to our neighboring communities by hosting similar events for them.”
Grass Residences was chosen as the pilot site
due to its significant senior population. For residents like Connie Cailles, a
76-year-old participant, the program was a welcome opportunity. Ms. Cailles, a
resident of Grass Residences recalled how excited she was when she saw the
program in one of the notices in their building’s elevator. Upon completing the
lessons, she added how helpful the staff and the program were in attending to
her and fellow seniors, compared sometimes to relatives who would often lose
patience in teaching her the know-how of navigating her phone’s features and
essential apps.
“Okay po na nakatutok sila sa amin,” she said. “Lalo na kasi pasensyoso’t pasensyosa
sila. Kasi usually kapag mga kamag-anak ko—mga alam mo na—parang naoobligado
sila. Kapag sa mga ganitong programa, pakiramdam ko naii-spoil tuloy kami.”
(It’s nice that the staff are patient with us
seniors. Usually, when it’s my relatives—you know how it is—they feel
obligated. But in programs like this, it feels like we’re being spoiled.)
The program’s success was echoed by Elbert
Mozo, Treasurer of the Grass Residences Board of Trustees: “This activity
had the highest attendance of seniors here at Grass. Although some are still
adjusting, I see them really trying. Thanks to SMDC and Globe, I think more
attendees will join after this.”
The half-day program ensured that all
participants received hands-on assistance, fostering an environment where
seniors could learn without fear of judgment or discouragement. SMDC plans to
expand the initiative, inviting more participants from other communities.
SM’s support to the senior citizen
community
The SM group has been at the forefront of
initiatives that support and uplift its community of senior citizens.
Through SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation
and the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the group
supports initiatives focused on communities and the environment.
Some of its advocacies include the Emergency
Preparedness Forum for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens, an
annual forum equipping vulnerable sectors, such as PWDs and the elderly, with
emergency preparedness skills to help them protect themselves and their loved
ones. Since its launch in 2015, the program has successfully trained over 7,417
individuals to date.
In addition, the Walk for Life parade is an
event to honor seniors during the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.
In line with SM Foundation's mission to provide
targeted social investments in education, healthcare, and livelihood to help
underserved Filipinos improve their lives, seniors are also beneficiaries of
the health and wellness centers.
