Teaching senior citizens how to 'digi'
Leading digital solutions platform Globe Group transformed the digital landscape for Filipino seniors with its innovative “Teach Me How To Digi” #SeniorDigizen Learning Session held on Jan. 25 at the Skydome, SM North Edsa.
Gathering at least 220 senior citizens in half a day of enriching tech learning, the #SeniorDigizens event is backed by some of the biggest brands in tech and retail, and by senior citizen advocates from the government.
“It’s really 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 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, retail giant SM is 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.
SM’s loyalty program, SMAC, sponsored the event in SM Malls.
“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 Atty. Frank Quijano, had a booth where seniors were guided on how to register in its database, which the agency hopes to build.
“We thank Globe for embarking on this program that addresses major concerns when it comes to seniors: digitalization and online safety. We at NCSC have been pursuing our own efforts to bring the elderly into the digital space safely, and we are happy to find an ally in the private sector to introduce seniors to new technologies while at the same time protecting them from the dangers that lurk online,” Quijano said.
“We’d like to congratulate Globe for giving seniors priority through its #SeniorDigizens campaign. This is an initiative worth emulating. United Senior Citizens Partylist is one with Globe in seeing this through,” said Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay of the United Senior Citizens Partylist.
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.
Meanwhile, #TeamGlobeofGood influencers Kiray Celis and Chuckie Dreyfus performed during the event, while internet personality Lester “Buji” Babiera, a talent of Globe Group agency NYMA brought his brand of hosting onstage.
The #SeniorDigizen learning session, a significant effort to close the digital divide for the elderly, followed the success of the “Teach Me How to Digi” TikTok contest held in September last year. The contest received over 200 videos showcasing tech lessons imparted by younger family members to their senior loved ones.
Globe awarded 25 winners with prizes worth P25,000.
“We are excited to help our senior citizens take their first steps into the digital world, ensuring they are not left behind in this fastpaced digital era. This event is our commitment to ensuring that they are not just consumers of technology but actively engaged in the evolving tech-savvy society,” said Liza Reyes, public relations and communications strategy head at the Globe Group.
Globe’s #SeniorDigizens campaign promises not onlFor inquiries, visit www.globe. com.ph.