This Labor Day, SM continued empowering community opportunities as multiple Job Fairs were mounted across 15 venues nationwide. This brought together 650 employers and 17,400 jobseekers, with more than 1,000 Filipinos hired on the spot—a powerful reflection of how accessible, community-based platforms can deliver real employment outcomes.
But beyond the numbers are real stories—of courage, determination, and new beginnings.
Across multiple SM malls, thousands of Filipinos walked in carrying resumes—and walked out with something more: real opportunities, renewed confidence, and for many, a fresh start. The SM Job Fair once again served as a platform for employment, connecting jobseekers, employers, and government partners in one convenient, community-centered space at their most-loved SM Supermalls.
For jobseekers like France Barcial and Mark Andrei Jimenez the experience was life-changing.
“Hindi ko po expected na ngayon din ako matatanggap, bakasakali lang po” he shared, holding back tears. “Meron na po akong pang-suporta sa college ko sa PUP.”
"Malaking tulong po ito sa pamilya namin. kung sa iba po, baka nag-antay pako kung kailan ako tatawagan. dito po hired agad."
Moments like these echoed throughout the day, as hiring booths became spaces of possibility—where interviews led to immediate job offers, and uncertainty turned into hope.
SM Job Fairs continue to stand out for their accessibility and efficiency. From application to interview—and even the processing of government requirements—everything is made available in one place, allowing jobseekers to focus on what matters most: securing their future.
Miss Rea Amata, a representative from the Labor Relations and Public Employment Service Office of Marikina emphasized the impact of such initiatives
:
“Malaking bagay ito para sa mga Pilipino, sa mga constituents namin sa Marikina. Bringing opportunities closer to communities is key—and SM provides that platform. Isipin mo, hindi ka na dadayo at gagastos para maghanap ng trabaho.”
Employers also highlighted the value of direct, face-to-face engagement, as attested by Noelle Tupas of Work Makers Manpower Corporation.
“We’re able to meet qualified candidates faster and more efficiently, second time we joined this job fair and some of our previous hires have stayed in our company, the others found other opportunities. Here, you can see the potential immediately, and that makes hiring more meaningful.”
Beyond employment, SM continues to strengthen its role in workforce development by introducing upskilling opportunities—including digital and AI learning sessions in partnership with institutions such as the Department Information and Communications Technology. These initiatives aim to help jobseekers stay competitive in an evolving job market, reinforcing the shift from job access to job readiness.
“We have certificate trainings and seminars na nagdadagdag ng value at knowledge sa ating mga applicants. In fact, we have ready data and information ng mga trainees natin previously na na-hire or lumawak ang freelancing expertise dahil sa programs natin,” said Erika Zamora, trainer from DICT.
Many jobseekers felt the significance of the initiative.
Alberto Eder shared, “Hindi lang po ito para sa IT professionals, AI age na po talaga tayo. Lahat po ng gusto magtrabaho, makikinabang po dito sa upskilling.”
Through strong collaboration with government agencies, employers, and institutional partners, SM Job Fairs continue to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful, real-world impact.
As the day came to a close, what remained were not just filled job positions—but stories of resilience, determination, and new beginnings.
Because at SM Supermalls, it’s not just about bringing people together—it’s about helping them move forward.
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