Business

SM Job Fair Marks 500th Milestone, Expands Access To Jobs And Future-ready Skills

August 24, 2026

For thousands of Filipinos, finding the right job begins with having the right opportunity within reach. SM Job Fair marked a major milestone while widening access to employment and skills development — from celebrating its 500th nationwide job fair and bringing SM Group employers directly to communities, to working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to connect technical-vocational training with careers. Together, these initiatives reflect SM Supermalls’ continuing commitment to make the journey from preparing for work to finding meaningful employment more accessible to Filipinos.

SM Job Fair Marks 500th Milestone, Expands Access To Jobs And Future-ready Skills

500 JOB FAIRS — AND COUNTING!

On August 12, SM City Daet hosted the 500th SM Job Fair, marking an important milestone in SM Supermalls’ nationwide jobs advocacy. As of its 500th Job Fair, the program has connected around 330,000 jobseekers with thousands of employers nationwide, resulting in more than 42,000 applicants hired on the spot (HOTS). Behind those numbers are individual journeys — from fresh graduates looking for their first break and career shifters starting again to breadwinners and experienced professionals taking their next step.

Through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), employers, and industry organizations, SM continues to use its nationwide mall network to bring jobs closer to communities.

FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EMPLOYMENT AT THE SM GROUP JOB FAIR

The momentum continued on August 18 at SM City Fairview, where the SM Group Job Fair connected jobseekers with career opportunities across the SM Group.

Applicants met recruiters face-to-face, explored vacancies, submitted applications, and underwent interviews in one accessible venue — simplifying the hiring journey while helping participating companies meet potential talent from the community.

For fresh graduate May Stephanie, the search for her first job ended with good news when she was hired by Savemore. “Masaya po kasi mahirap po maghanap ng work lalo po pag fresh grad ka po.” Her experience reflects the human impact behind every successful match: a chance to begin a career, earn a livelihood, and build toward a more secure future.

FROM SKILLS TO OPPORTUNITIES WITH TESDA

As industries evolve, Filipinos need both access to jobs and the skills to succeed in them. Last August, SM Supermalls and TESDA brought the World Café of Opportunities (WCO) to SM malls nationwide in celebration of 2026 National Tech-Voc Day, connecting technical-vocational graduates and jobseekers with employers and industry partners.

At the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on August 24, more than 1,000 jobseekers met 54 participating employers offering more than 4,000 job opportunities. Job matching was complemented by skills demonstrations in HVAC, autonomous robotics, driving, animation, and coffee barista—showing how practical training can translate into workplace readiness.

For Jeff Justine Geraga, a BS IT student at the University of Makati who took Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA, gaining additional skills has helped strengthen his confidence in a competitive job market.

“Definitely tumaas ang value ko dahil may added skills ako from TESDA, more opportunities for me. Requirement na po ang upskilling dahil competitive po ngayon.”

A key highlight was the launch of the TESDA Skills Compass, a career guidance and job-matching platform that helps Filipinos explore career pathways and connect their competencies with in-demand jobs. For some participants, the connection between skills and employment became immediate.

After traveling from Mindoro in search of work, Cristyl Faith Robles was hired on the spot as a barista at French Baker.

“Masaya po kasi last week pa po kami nag-aapply ng work kasi galing pa po kami sa Mindoro… Para po ito sa magulang ko at sa kapatid ko para matulungan ko po siya sa college.”

Employers also recognize the value of skills-based training. CJ Bajamunde, HR Assistant at SMC Repairs and Maintenance, shared that TESDA training and certifications are among the qualifications the company looks for when recruiting skilled workers.

“Nakatulong po talaga ang TESDA hindi lang sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho, kundi sa aming mga employers din.”

Through the World Café of Opportunities, SM and TESDA are helping turn skills into employability — connecting training, talent, and industry needs in ways that can lead to meaningful careers.

MORE JOBS AND SKILLS THIS SEPTEMBER

The momentum continues this September as SM Job Fair brings another nationwide lineup of employment activities to SM malls, complemented by government career opportunities and upskilling sessions with partners.

SEPTEMBER JOB FAIR SCHEDULE

September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas
September 3 – SM City Manila
September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa
September 7–8 – SM City Butuan
September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo
September 8–9 – SM City Davao
September 9 – SM City Baguio
September 9–10 – SM City Cebu
September 9–10 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
September 10 – SM City Tuguegarao
September 10 – SM City North EDSA
September 10 – SM City Zamboanga
September 10 – SM Center Muntinlupa
September 12 – SM City La Union
September 12 – SM City San Pablo
September 14 – SM Center Antipolo
September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier
September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu
September 22–23 – SM Seaside City Cebu
September 23 – SM City Calamba
September 24 – SM City Trece Martires
September 24 – SM Center Pulilan
September 24 – SM City Bacoor

UPSKILLING SESSIONS

Jobseekers and learners can also take advantage of upskilling activities scheduled throughout the month:

September 10 – SM City Trece Martires
September 12 – SM Center Sangandaan
September 12 – SM City North EDSA
September 24 – SM City Trece Martires

MORE THAN JOBS

SM’s employment advocacy continues beyond recruitment. Through partnerships with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations, SM Supermalls has provided free upskilling opportunities to more than 1,600 learners, covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and other emerging workplace competencies. In select malls, SM Government Service Express (GSE) also brings essential government services closer to communities, with selected locations serving as Upskilling Hubs.

From reaching the 500th SM Job Fair to helping a fresh graduate land a first job, and from gaining a technical skill to finding where it can lead, August demonstrated what can happen when employment, learning, services, and strong partnerships come together.

And as SM Job Fair moves beyond its 500th milestone, the work continues — helping more Filipinos find jobs, build relevant skills, and move toward better futures closer to home. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs and free upskilling opportunities, visit the SM Supermalls website or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.