Where Experience and Love for Work Meet at SM City Baguio
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines, 9th September 2026 – Work can mean different things at different stages of life. For some, it is a way to provide for their families. For others, it is a source of purpose, independence, and the simple satisfaction of knowing that they can still do what they love.
At SM City Baguio, age is not a limit to being part of the workplace. Among the mall’s employees and partners are senior citizens who continue to show that experience, dedication, and the desire to contribute do not come with an expiration date.
One of them is Marylou Cocal, 60, who has been working as a janitress at SM City Baguio under Dimensional Services Corp. for 22 years. What began as a job has become a significant part of her life, allowing her to support her family while building a long and meaningful career.
After 22 years at SM City Baguio, the mall has become more than just a workplace for Marylou. It has become her second family, where she has built relationships and shared many milestones with the people she works with.
More than the years she has spent working, Marylou is grateful for what her job has allowed her to provide for her family. Through her work, she was able to send her two daughters to college, something she considers one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.
For Marylou, continuing to work at 60 is also about carrying on with the routine and responsibilities she has grown accustomed to through the years. Her long tenure is a reflection of the dedication she has brought to her work and the value she places on being able to provide for her family.
Her story is one of many that show how a workplace can become part of a person’s life beyond the job itself. After more than two decades, Marylou continues to be part of the SM City Baguio community, bringing with her years of experience and familiarity with the people and place she has come to know as a second home.
For Elizabeth Balager, 62, working also brings a sense of fulfillment. As a stylist and salon front desk coordinator at Amave, she continues to do work she enjoys while taking pride in being able to earn for herself.
“Working even as a senior is a satisfaction for me personally,” Elizabeth shared.
For Elizabeth, staying at work also means staying active. Moving around, working with clients, and keeping a regular routine allow her to remain physically active and engaged.
She sees her ability to continue working as something to be grateful for. Despite being a senior citizen, she can still earn for herself and remain productive.
“Despite my age, I still earn for myself,” she said.
For her, working is not simply about income. It is also about being able to move, stay busy, interact with people, and continue doing something she enjoys.
The stories of Marylou and Elizabeth offer a glimpse into what an inclusive workplace can look like when people are given the opportunity to continue contributing at different stages of life.
Inclusion is not only about creating opportunities for those entering the workforce. It is also about recognizing the experience, skills, and dedication of people who have spent years working and who still want to be part of the workplace.
At SM City Baguio, their stories add to a community made up of people from different ages and walks of life. Their continued presence is a reminder that there is value in experience, and that work can continue to bring purpose and fulfillment at any age.
For Marylou, more than two decades of work have brought not only a livelihood, but a second family and the opportunity to help her two daughters finish college.
For Elizabeth, continuing to work gives her the satisfaction of earning for herself, staying active, and doing something she enjoys.
Different journeys, but both show that there is no single age or timeline for finding purpose in the work we do.
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About SM Supermalls
SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together.
Through “My SM,” SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities.
My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
