BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) and the Baguio City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) are empowering senior citizens in the city to become techy lolos and lolas.
These offices recently launched the Digital Thumbprint Literacy Course, designed to help senior citizens safely and confidently navigate the digital world, in time for observance of Elderly Filipino Week 2025.
Participants from the different barangays in the city attended the training held Oct. 9, 10, and 13. It covered topics on how to search safely online, how to verify information, secure use of digital wallets, accessing government services through the eGovPH Super App, and basic cybersecurity.
“Our goal is to empower our lolas and lolos so that they can enjoy the benefits of technology while protecting themselves from online dangers,” said DICT-CAR Regional Director Jimmicio Daoaten.
Meanwhile, CSWDO Head Liza Bulayungan emphasized that beyond skills, the training promotes digital inclusion, helping reduce isolation and enhance the dignity of older people in an increasingly digitally connected society.
The initiative is part of DICT’s ‘Seniors Going Digital’ program launched in 2023 to bridge the digital divide for older Filipinos.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there were 9.2 million Filipino senior citizens, who made up around 8.5% of the population as of 2020, which the agency projected to rise by 20% by 2025.
A 2021 study by the òòò½´«Ã½ found that only 18% of Filipinos aged 65 and older have at least one basic information and communication technology (ICT) skill, which means there are still many senior citizens who remain unfamiliar with digital tools, leaving them more vulnerable to misinformation and online fraud. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR, Baguio City with reports from DICT-CAR)
