Teaching senior citizens about technology and the internet is challenging but possible, according to an official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the Cordillera.

Enabling the senior citizens to become familiar with the use of technological innovations will provide them opportunities to have a source of livelihood even at an advanced age, said Jing Nino, of the DICT-Cordillera Administrative Region Information Communications Technology (ICT) Literacy and Competency division,  in forum aired over social media.

“It’s difficult. It takes a lot of patience because most of them are first time users of the computer but, slowly, they will grasp it,” he said in Filipino.

Senior citizens are taught what a computer is, how to turn it on, how to access the internet, how to use digital payment, and how not to be victimized by fraudulent sites or persons. 

“We do not only teach them how to use it but also how not be a victim of fraud because they are among the vulnerable groups of people,” Nino said. 

He pointed out that for senior citizens who are working in the government, the ability to be familiar with the use of computer is a productivity tool since they can easily get information using search engines like Google, use worksheets, and use the Microsoft Word.

For those who are no longer working and are just staying home, technological know-how will allow them to find anything they want to know online. 

“For some, basic use of computer is sufficient but there are those who aspire to have digital careers thus are taught more advance lessons,” Nino said. 

DICT has a digital academy program where individuals aspiring to have a career in ICT can enroll.

Reynaldo Sy, DICT-Cordillera regional director said they have transformation hubs where any group can request for ICT lectures or workshops for free.

He disclosed that a senior citizen who attended one of their trainings in 2023 is now working as a virtual assistant.