BEING forewarned is being forearmed.
The SM Group of companies said this is the rationale behind its joint undertaking with Globe Telecom Inc. to make the country’s “lolos” and “lolas” to be cyber-aware individuals.
The SM Group said it is working to roll out the #SeniorDigizen program in SM Development Corp. (SMDC) properties to foster a safe and inclusive digital community for elderly residents.
The #SeniorDigizen program will offer free, tailored learning sessions on topics such as cybersecurity, fintech apps like GCash, and telehealth services like KonsultaMD.
The pilot program, which was launched at the Grass Residences in Quezon City, is seen to benefit elderly residents who are often targeted by online scams.
The SM Group said 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 National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has said that P155 million was lost in 2023 from digital fraud where senior citizens were the victims.
“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 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,” Sy added.
Sy said 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.
Cailles recalled how excited she was when she saw the program in one of the notices in their building’s elevator.
Cailles expressed appreciation on how helpful the staff were to her and fellow seniors as she completed the program, compared sometimes to relatives who often lost their patience while teaching her how to navigate her phone’s features and essential apps.
The program’s success was likewise 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
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 supports senior citizen communities
The SM group has been at the forefront of initiatives that support and uplift its community of senior citizens.
Sy said that 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.
Other advocacies of the group
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.
