Leading digital solutions platform Globe Group is transforming the digital landscape for Filipino seniors with its innovative “Teach Me How To Digi” #SeniorDigizen Learning Session.
The session gathered at least 220 senior citizens in half a day of enriching tech learning at SM Sky Dome on Jan. 25. The event was backed by some of the biggest brands in tech and retail, and by senior citizen advocates from the government.
“It’s very important that our senior citizens learn digital skills because in the future, a lot of services will truly become fully digital. We have to help the seniors overcome their fear. And I guarantee you that once you try it, it’s going to be as easy or much easier than the old manual way,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.
“As digitalization accelerates, tech adoption should be simple and easy for everyone, no matter the age. Technology should not be intimidating or difficult for our seniors, and they should be able to enjoy its benefits. The goal of our #SeniorDigizens campaign is to equip them with knowledge that will help them adopt new tech and apps that address their day-to-day pain points,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer of the Globe Group.
The event featured learning sessions on digital skills: How to create a Gmail account to be facilitated by Google, a 101 course on using smartphones via Globe, and sessions on using fintech platform GCash and telehealth service KonsultaMD.
Apart from hosting the event at Sky Dome, retail giant, SM, provided an opportunity for senior citizens to join the Super Grannies Club (SGC), the grandest Facebook community for seasoned individuals. As SGC members, participants gain early access to events, exclusive mall deals, and updates on SM Cares programs. These include health and wellness activities like Walk for Life, the award-winning Emergency Preparedness Forum, and community service programs that enable a fun, active, and productive lifestyle for lolos and lolas.
SM’s loyalty program SMAC, meanwhile, sponsored the event in SM Malls, as it is one with Globe in giving importance and joy to senior citizens.
“We are happy to support Globe in bringing to fruition our shared vision of digitalizing seniors. SM has long given seniors priority in our initiatives, and so our partnership with Globe for the #SeniorDigizens campaign is natural and seamless,” said Jay Beltran, Head of Sales and Marketing, Digital Advantage Corporation (DAC).
The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), led by its Chairperson and CEO Attorney Frank Quijano, had a booth where seniors were guided on how to register in its database, which the agency hopes to build to take stock of the living situation, health concerns, skills and other important information about the country’s roughly 11 million senior citizens.
The Quezon City government also brought a delegation of senior citizens to the event and provided crucial logistics support.
“The city government of Quezon City is proud to partner with Globe in this undertaking. In QC, we give our seniors top priority in terms of public services to help them live their sunset years as active and productive members of society. This project is key in helping them transition into a digital life and help them enjoy the benefits of modern technology,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.