SM's #SeniorDigizen Campaign Helps Seniors in the Digital Age

“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. 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.” ~Jessica Bianca ‘Jica’ T. Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SM Prime and SMDC

The senior community at SMDC’s Grass Residences in Quezon City eagerly participates during their Senior Digizen Learning Session. 

The SM Group, through SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recently partnered with Globe to implement the #SeniorDigizen program in its residential properties, fostering a safe and inclusive digital community for senior citizens.  The initiative aligns with SMDC's commitment to protecting residents and fostering a strong community spirit by providing senior citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to safely navigate the online world.

The #SeniorDigizen program provides free, personalized learning opportunities 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 to help elderly residents who are frequently 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.

Grass Residences was chosen as the pilot site because of its large senior population. For residents like Connie Cailles, 76, the program was a welcome opportunity. Ms. Cailles, a resident of Grass Residences, recalled how excited she was when she saw the program advertised in one of their building's elevators. After finishing the lessons, she mentioned how helpful the staff and the program were in attending to her and other seniors, as opposed to relatives who would frequently lose patience in teaching her how to use her phone's features and essential apps. 

“Okay po na nakatutok sila sa amin. 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.” ~Connie Cailles, a 76-year-old Participant

(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 half-day program ensured that all participants received practical assistance, creating an environment in which seniors could learn without fear of being judged or discouraged. SMDC intends to expand the initiative by inviting additional participants from other communities.

“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.” ~Elbert Mozo, Treasurer of the Grass Residences Board of Trustees

The half-day program ensured the presence of our dedicated staff in assisting a senior citizen with tech questions, ensuring everyone wouldn’t feel discouraged from learning. 

SM’s support to the senior citizen community 

The SM group has been at the forefront of initiatives to support and uplift its senior citizens. SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation and SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, supports community and environmental initiatives. 

Some of its advocacy efforts include the Emergency Preparedness Forum for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens, an annual event that provides vulnerable groups, such as PWDs and the elderly, with emergency preparedness skills to help them protect themselves and their loved ones. Since its inception in 2015, the program has successfully trained over 7,417 individuals.  

In addition, the Walk for Life parade is an event to honor seniors during the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.

Seniors benefit from the health and wellness centers, which align with the SM Foundation's mission of providing targeted social investments in education, healthcare, and livelihood to assist underserved Filipinos in improving their lives. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com