SM, DICT equip Baguio jobseekers with digital skills

BAGUIO CITY — SM Supermalls has expanded its job fair initiative beyond employment matching by partnering with the Department of Information and Communications Technology–Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR) to provide free digital skills training for jobseekers and fresh graduates in Baguio City.

The information session, held at SM City Baguio, focused on digital literacy, career preparation, information literacy, the eGovPH app, and cybersecurity, reflecting a growing emphasis on equipping jobseekers with skills increasingly required in a technology-driven labor market.

The activity was conducted through DICT-CAR’s Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB).

Organizers said the initiative aims to complement employment opportunities offered through SM Job Fair by helping participants develop competencies that could improve their competitiveness in the digital economy.

“Through our partnership with DICT-CAR, particularly the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), you will gain practical knowledge on digital literacy, the eGovPH App, and cybersecurity—skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s digital economy,” Jason Pena, assistant mall manager of SM City Baguio, said.

Participants attended discussions on responsible use of digital technologies, online safety and government digital services while engaging with DICT resource speakers.

The training also highlighted the eGovPH app, which integrates access to various government services, as part of efforts to familiarize participants with digital public services.

Engr. Joe Fernando Bucato, chief of technical operations of DICT-CAR, led the regional office’s participation in the program through the ILCDB.

Several participants said the session provided practical knowledge that could help them both professionally and personally.

Laarni Azarcon said the training strengthened her understanding of responsible technology use.

“Thank you to DICT and SM City Baguio for this initiative because it helped us build and enhance our digital skills and literacy. It also taught us how to utilize technology safely and responsibly.”

Olive Montes said the cybersecurity discussion resonated with her after falling victim to an online scam.

“Gusto ko pong maging aware sa cybersecurity at cyber hygiene, especially since may experience na po akong na-scam. I wanted to be more aware of that, and I know these lessons will also help me in my future job applications.”

(“I wanted to become more aware of cybersecurity and cyber hygiene, especially since I have experienced being scammed online. I wanted to better understand these issues, and I know these lessons will also help me in my future job applications.”)

Emil Diego, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication graduate from Benguet State University, said learning about the eGovPH app was among the session’s practical takeaways.

“Ang laking tulong ng ganitong activity para maging aware ako sa mga ganitong serbisyo. Meron palang eGovPH app na pwedeng makatulong sa amin at mas mapadali ang transactions with government offices.”

(“Activities like this are a big help because they made me aware of these services. I learned that there is an eGovPH app that can assist us and make transactions with government offices easier.”)

SM Supermalls said it plans to continue working with DICT-CAR to offer additional free digital upskilling programs as part of its broader effort to support workforce readiness and lifelong learning.