By Hanna C. Lacsamana, contributed photos
A learning session on Artificial Intelligence for senior citizens and children was recently held at SM City Baguio in recognition of AI’s growing role in everyday life and the importance of accessible digital learning to everyone.
The activity was organized by SM City Baguio in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cordillera.
The learning session brought together participants from different generations, providing them with an opportunity to discover how AI works, explore its practical applications, and better understand how emerging technologies can be used responsibly in their everyday lives.
Participants were introduced to the basics of AI through interactive discussions and demonstrations designed to make the technology easier to understand and more accessible.
The session also highlighted practical ways AI can support learning, creativity, information access, and other everyday activities while emphasizing the importance of using technology safely and responsibly.
The event served as an opportunity for children to explore AI as a learning and creative tool, encouraging curiosity and digital awareness at an early age, while senior citizens were given the opportunity to become more familiar with emerging technologies and discover how AI can be integrated into their daily digital experiences.
The mall management stated that the initiative reflects the importance of lifelong digital learning.
“As technology continues to evolve, SM City Baguio and DICT-CAR aim to help communities of all ages become more confident, informed, and responsible digital users,” SM stated.
Throughout the session, participants actively engaged with DICT-CAR resource speakers, explored the capabilities of AI, and learned practical ways to navigate emerging digital technologies.
The interactive discussions also encouraged participants to ask questions and share their experiences, creating a learning environment where both young and older participants could discover technology together.
For mothers and their children, the session provided an opportunity to learn about AI together and better understand how emerging technology can be used at home and in school.
Joan Jimenez, who attended the session with her 10-year-old son, Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student, shared how the activity gave children an opportunity to become more familiar with a technology that is increasingly becoming part of their everyday lives.
“Yung age ng mga bata ngayon, very common na yung AI. I think magandang opportunity sa kanila ito para ma-broaden yung knowledge nila at ma-experience din kung paano nagwo-work ang AI. I am very thankful kasi ino-open ng SM City Baguio ang mga ganitong opportunities para sa mga kids. I hope na mas marami pang ganitong programs,” Jimenez said.
She also appreciated having a safe and accessible venue where children could continue learning despite challenges such as class suspensions and unfavorable weather conditions.
Her son, Jacob, was particularly interested in discovering how AI can be used beyond simple conversations and searches, sharing how his curiosity about the technology has already inspired him to experiment with it.
The session also encouraged senior citizens to embrace new technologies and discover that digital learning is not limited by age.
Cheryl Alquiza, one of the senior participants, said the session provided valuable information that could help senior citizens become more aware of the risks they may encounter in the digital space.
The inclusive nature of the activity was also highlighted by Engr. Katherine Aguilar of DICT-CAR, who discussed AI during the learning session. She noted how the participation of both children and senior citizens demonstrated that technology can serve as a bridge across generations.
“Maganda yung ginawa natin kasi from kids to seniors, it only goes to show na yung technology ay walang pinipiling edad. Very inclusive siya,” Aguilar said. “SM City Baguio is not just for shopping or entertainment, but it is also a venue for learning. So we’re very happy that we have the venue provided by SM.”
The initiative reinforces SM City Baguio’s commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities for the community. By bringing digital literacy programs closer to different generations, SM continues to support a more digitally inclusive community where everyone can participate, learn, and benefit from the opportunities brought by technology. – HCL
