SM celebrates Elderly Filipino Week

MANILA, Philippines - SM Supermalls hosted “Walk For Life” at SM Mall of Asia last Oct. 1 to kick off celebrations for the Elderly Filipino Week. The event was spearheaded by DOH, DSWD and the SM Cares Program for Senior Citizens.

 â€œSM Supermalls has been the venue for four years now, and we are also part of the national committee for the Elderly Filipino Week. We are (actively) participating and hosting this annual event,” said Danny Chavez, program director for the SM Cares Senior Citizens Committee.

During the occasion, SM took the opportunity to formally launch its Casual Employment for Senior Citizens program that provides job opportunities for the elderly of the community.

Teresita Miguel, one of the seniors who was hired for this program, is grateful for how they are regarded by SM as a priority.

“We see this as a big opportunity for us seniors to still be active members of the community. Through this program, we are able to make the most out of our free time while still enjoying the company of our fellow seniors and the mall goers. I was touched to see the support and concern the government agencies and SM have given us,” she said.

Aside from providing casual employment for senior citizens, SM Supermalls constantly aspires to be a home to every Filipino and sees this week as a perfect opportunity to laud the elderly in the community.

“Our partnership for the Elderly Filipino Week is very important because for several years now, we have been actively patronized by our special customers (seniors, PWD, children and nursing mothers). We also have a special committee dedicated to cater to the needs of senior citizens. The group conceptualizes and implements programs that aim to entertain and empower our seniors,” he added.

The weeklong celebration includes various activities such as the “Oldietorium” exhibit where vintage items of participating seniors will be showcased. It will be held in select SM Supermalls nationwide. Another activity, called “Throwback Thursdays” will show old photos and paintings of the elderly to be held in SM Megamall. “Balik Tanaw”, a cultural exhibit, will similarly be held in SM Clark.

The Elderly Filipino Week celebration was co-organized by the Coalition of Services of the Elderly, a non-government organization that aims to uplift the lives of Filipino senior citizens. Its executive director Fransiskus Kupang is thankful for partners like SM who help them with their advocacy.

The SM Cares Program on Senior Citizens also mounts various activities that cater specifically to the elderly of each community. These initiatives are held in different months spread across the year. January is the month where the “Elderpreneurship” is held. It is a program that provides free training for seniors on how they can start a new business.

“Senior Moments,” which is held every second Tuesday or Saturday of the month across all SM malls,  is a regular activity that promotes health and fitness. This include group classes for Zumba, tai chi and calisthenics.

To keep the seniors connected to the modern world, a program called “Oldies But Techies” are held during the months of June and July. They are taught ways on how to be updated on the use of the Internet and social media.

For inquiries, visit and like the SM CSR Program on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares.