SM and PMAP Mega Job Fair, Creating an Employment Ecosystem

  Neither rain nor disrupted schedules could stop jobseekers from pursuing their next opportunity.

FROM JOBSEEKER TO HIRED! Successful applicants proudly mark their new beginnings after being hired on the spot at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, where SM Job Fair and PMAP brought employment opportunities closer to Filipino communities.

After being rescheduled to August 17–18 due to inclement weather in Metro Manila, the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, held in collaboration with SM Job Fair, pushed through at the SM City North EDSA Skydome—connecting jobseekers with employers, career coaches, upskilling opportunities, and employment support services under one roof. The two-day event brought together around 30 employers and hundreds of jobseekers, with several applicants hired on the spot (HOTS).

A jobseeker meets directly with a recruiter at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, bringing meaningful career opportunities closer to the community.

Held in celebration of the People Management Association of the Philippines' (PMAP) 70th Anniversary, the career fair carried the theme “HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World,” putting the spotlight not only on getting Filipinos hired, but also on helping them become better prepared for the changing world of work.

SM Supermalls’ Royston Cabunag, 1st District Councilor Hon. Charm Ferrer, PMAP President Gilbert Camasura, PMAP Past President Obet Policarpio, PMAP’s Ghie Lara and Jemai Duque-Gomez, and DOLE QC Director Rowella Grande, officially open the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to creating more employment opportunities and building a future-ready Filipino workforce.

More than getting hired

For Ghie Lara, Chairperson of PMAP's Employability Committee, the event represented a broader approach to helping Filipinos build sustainable careers. “What we have here is not just a job fair but an employability ecosystem which includes our employer partners. This year, we also have the upskilling zone and the career-coaching zone where volunteers can give guidance to our jobseekers. We are here not only to employ but also to upskill.”

HIRED ON THE SPOT! Newly hired applicants celebrate their career milestone with Ghie Lara, Chairperson of PMAP’s Employability Committee, at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026. Their success reflects what the event’s employability ecosystem is all about—connecting Filipino talent with employers, career support, and opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment.

That approach complements the continuing evolution of SM Job Fair—bringing employment opportunities closer to communities while creating pathways for jobseekers to develop the skills and confidence they need to compete in today's workplace.

Showing up for opportunity

For the jobseekers who came despite the weather, the experience was far more personal.  Richmond Carl Bello arrived determined to find work and left hired on the spot as Administrative Staff at Readyman. 

“Pumunta po ako ngayon kasi kailangan po talaga ng work. Umulan man o bumagyo, kailangan ng trabaho.”

Hired-on-the-spot applicant Richmond Carl Bello celebrates his new opportunity with SM Supermalls executives Royston Cabunag, Asst. Vice President and Head of SM Communities; Pats Lim-Dy, Senior Asst. Vice President for SM Communities Marketing; and Cedrik Forbes, Lead for SM Job Fairs, at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026. 

For Sweet Ehricka Toledo, who was hired on the spot as a Cashier at SM Hypermarket, having the job fair inside the mall made pursuing an opportunity easier despite the conditions outside. 

“Hindi ako mapipigilan ng ulan sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Buti po dito sa SM ang job fair, secured po mula sa panahon at maayos ang lugar.”

Their stories underscore why bringing job fairs into accessible community spaces matters: when opportunities are closer and easier to reach, more Filipinos have the chance to pursue them.

HIRED ON THE SPOT! A successful applicant proudly celebrates landing a new job at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026—turning a day of job hunting into a fresh career start.

 Connecting employers with community talent

The benefits extend to employers looking for skilled people. Jhane Unciano, Administrative Manager of Dewan Architects and Engineers, said the event helped the company build its talent pool as it expands its presence in the Philippines. “We are also trying to promote our company's needs for Architects and Engineers... and we think this partnership with PMAP and SM is helping us tremendously with this.”

Joaquin Feliciano, University Relations Partner and Talent Sourcer at Meralco, likewise noted the turnout despite the weather, citing the collaboration among Quezon City LGU, PMAP and SM as a strength of the event. By bringing employers and jobseekers into the same accessible venue, SM Job Fair helps shorten the distance between available talent and available opportunities. 

Making the employment journey easier

Jobseekers were also able to access digital government assistance through eGovPH, helping facilitate requirements such as TIN, Pag-IBIG, and SSS.

Pauline Faye Agtarap, Project Development Officer II of DICT, said the service helps reduce the steps jobseekers need to take as they prepare for employment. “Happy po ako kasi natutulungan natin ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho, bawas po sa pag-asikaso nila. It's a great opportunity to have SM as a partner in promoting the programs of DICT in helping Filipino jobseekers.”

This reflects the broader direction of SM Job Fair: making the journey to employment more convenient—not only by bringing jobs closer, but by connecting Filipinos with skills development and essential support services along the way.

OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN REACH. Jobseekers connect directly with recruiters at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, exploring career opportunities from multiple employers—all under one roof.

Opportunities closer to home

The PMAP Mega Job Fair is part of SM Supermalls' continuing nationwide employment advocacy, bringing together employers, government and industry partners to make career opportunities more accessible to different communities. From a jobseeker braving bad weather for an interview to an applicant walking out with a new job, the impact ultimately comes down to individual lives moving forward.

Because sometimes, the distance between looking for an opportunity and finding one can be as simple as having the right people, support, and opportunities within reach.

ONE HANDSHAKE CLOSER TO A NEW CAREER. A jobseeker connects with a recruiter at the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, where face-to-face conversations open doors to new career possibilities.

More SM Job Fairs ahead

Following the successful PMAP Mega Job Fair, SM Job Fair continues to bring employment opportunities closer to communities through a nationwide lineup of hiring events:

• August 25 – SM City Davao I SM City Tuguegarao 

• August 26 – SM City Fairview I SM City Cabanatuan

• August 27 – SM City Pampanga  I SM City Bacoor I  SM City Trece Martires I SM Center Muntinlupa

• August 29 – SM City Baguio

• August 31 - SM Center San Pedro

• 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 I SM City Davao 

• September 9 – SM City Baguio 

• September 9–10 – SM City Cebu I SM CDO Downtown Premier 

• September 10 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Tuguegarao I SM City North EDSA I SM City Zamboanga

• September 12 – SM City La Union I SM City San Pablo 

• September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier

• September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu 

• September 24 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Calamba 

• September 29 – SM City Bacoor                 

Schedules and participating malls may change without prior notice. 

Each event provides jobseekers with direct access to employers from various industries, allowing them to explore career opportunities, submit applications, and participate in on-the-spot interviews—all in one convenient and accessible location.

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SM Job Fair empowers Filipinos this August with nationwide hiring, free upskilling, and one-stop government services

 

Jobseekers explore career opportunities and connect with recruiters uring one of SM Job Fair's nationwide hiring events, bringing employment closer to communities across the country.

PASAY CITY, Philippines – As the world of work continues to evolve, finding employment is no longer the only goal—staying competitive means continuously learning new skills and having easier access to services that support one's career journey. This August, SM Supermalls continues to create more opportunities for Filipinos through its nationwide SM Job Fair program, bringing together employment opportunities, free upskilling initiatives, and convenient access to government services that help jobseekers prepare for the future of work. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fair has evolved into a platform that empowers Filipinos by connecting them not only to employers, but also to learning opportunities and essential government services—all designed to support every stage of their employment journey.

PMAP Mega Job Fair headlines August lineup

Leading this month's activities is the PMAP Mega Job Fair, happening on August 10–11 at the SM City North EDSA Skydome in partnership with the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Held in celebration of PMAP's 70th Anniversary, this year's event carries the theme "HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World," bringing together top employers, HR professionals, graduating

students, alumni, fresh graduates, career shifters, and jobseekers under one roof. The event builds on the Memorandum of Understanding between SM Supermalls and PMAP, reflecting their shared commitment to developing a future-ready Filipino workforce through employment, career development, and continuous learning.

Reputable and prestigious employers from PMAP's network like BDO and Coca-Cola, open doors to jobseekers during the two-day career event at SM City North EDSA last year.

SM Retail Job Fair offers careers within the SM Group

Jobseekers can also explore exciting opportunities at the SM Group Job Fair on August 18 at the Mall Atrium of SM City Fairview. In partnership with SM Retail, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), PSAC Jobs, PCCI, ECOP, and PHILEXPORT, the one-day hiring event offers applicants the opportunity to pursue careers across the country's largest retail network—from department stores and supermarkets to fashion, home, and specialty retail brands. Applicants will have the chance to meet recruiters, submit applications, and participate in on-the-spot interviews.

Thousands of jobseekers filled SM City Fairview during a previous SM Group Job Fair, where applicants explored career opportunities and connected with recruiters under one roof. This year's SM Retail Job Fair continues SM Supermalls' commitment to bringing employment opportunities closer to communities.

More job opportunities across the country

SM Supermalls continues to bring career opportunities closer to communities through its nationwide Job Fair program in partnership with DOLE and local PESO. Upcoming August Job Fair schedules include:

• August 10–11 –SM City North EDSA Skydome

• August 12 – SM City Daet

• August 13 – SM City Trece Martires

• August 13 – SM City Tuguegarao

• August 18 – SM City Fairview 

• August 22 – SM Seaside City Cebu

• August 24 – SM Mall of Asia

• August 25 – SM City Davao

• August 27 – SM City Trece Martires

Each event provides jobseekers with direct access to employers from various industries while allowing them to explore multiple career opportunities in one convenient location.

Building future-ready skills beyond the job fair

Recognizing that employability goes beyond getting hired, SM Supermalls continues to expand its free upskilling initiatives in partnership with government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations. These learning sessions equip participants with practical competencies in areas such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, career readiness, artificial intelligence, and other emerging workplace skills that help prepare Filipinos for today's

rapidly evolving job market.

Upcoming free upskilling sessions include:

• August 1 - SM City North EDSA

• August 1 - SM Mall of Asia

• August 8 - SM City North EDSA

• August 8 - SM Mall of Asia

• August 15 - SM City North EDSA

• August 22 - SM City North EDSA

• August 22 - SM Mall of Asia

• August 29 - SM City North EDSA

Schedules and participating malls may change without prior notice. For updates and the latest list of participating malls, scan the QR Code, visit SM Supermalls Job Fair Page and follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

Who says learning can't be fun? Participants enjoyed hands-on activities in AI-powered design, robotics, and cybersecurity during DICT's free digital upskilling session at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM North EDSA, helping build future-ready skills through the SM Job Fair initiative.

AI and Canva Training Participants explore Canva's AI-powered design tools during DICT's free digital skills training at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM North EDSA, equipping learners with practical creative and workplace-ready digital skills.

Participants attend DICT-ILCDB's free training on Introduction to Information Security Frameworks and Risk Management at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM Mall of Asia. Conducted in partnership with SM Job Fair, the session equips IT professionals with practical cybersecurity skills for today's digital workplace.

While many upskilling sessions are conducted in activity areas and learning venues across SM malls, selected SM Government Service Express (GSE) locations are also being activated as Upskilling Hubs, allowing communities to access free learning opportunities within these dedicated spaces.

A one-stop hub for jobseekers

To make the employment journey even more convenient, many SM Job Fairs are complemented by the SM Government Service Express (GSE), available in select SM malls nationwide. Serving as a one-stop hub for government services, GSE enables jobseekers to conveniently process employment-related requirements and access essential services from partner government agencies—all within the convenience of an SM mall.

Participants discover the power of artificial intelligence through the AI for ALL learning session at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM City Manila. Through the SM Job Fair initiative and partnerships with APC and IBM SkillsBuild, SM Supermalls continues to make future-ready AI and digital skills more accessible to students, jobseekers, and professionals.

By integrating employment opportunities, government services, and free learning initiatives, SM continues to simplify the journey from job application to career development.  "At SM, we believe creating opportunities means supporting Filipinos beyond the hiring process," said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. "Through our nationwide SM Job Fairs, free upskilling initiatives, and the SM Government Service Express, we're making it easier for communities to find jobs, develop future-ready skills, and conveniently access essential government services closer to home."

Creating more pathways to opportunity

Through the combined strengths of SM Job Fair, SM Government Service Express, and its growing network of free upskilling initiatives, SM Supermalls continues to create meaningful opportunities that help Filipinos succeed in an increasingly competitive and digital world. Whether starting a first job, exploring a new career, or learning new skills for the future, SM remains committed to building accessible platforms where communities can work, learn, and grow. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs, free upskilling sessions, and SM Government Service Express locations, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook.

More than a one-stop government service hub, the SM Government Service Express (GSE) at SM City Manila also hosts free upskilling initiatives through strategic partnerships, making learning and career development more accessible to communities.

 

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Successful Job Fair at SM Dasmariñas Builds Momentum for Nationwide 'Araw ng Kalayaan' Event

SM Supermalls and its valued partners successfully mounted the SM Group Job Fair at SM City Dasmariñas last May 27, bringing together aspiring applicants, employers, and career opportunities under one accessible venue.

Thousands of jobseekers gather at SM City Dasmariñas during the SM Retail Job Fair, opening doors to new careers and brighter opportunities for Filipinos. 

The one-day hiring event drew strong participation from jobseekers across Cavite and nearby areas, connecting applicants to career openings from some of the country’s most recognized retail and service brands. Participating employers included Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Savemore, Alfamart, Goldilocks, National University, and many more under the SM Group.

More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event, interviewing with more than 20 companies offering opportunities across retail, operations, merchandising, customer service, finance, marketing, warehouse operations, pharmacy, and management roles. More than 140 were hired on the spot (HOTS) with several hundreds more for follow-up interviews beyond the job fair. This reflects the event’s immediate impact in helping Filipinos move closer to meaningful employment.

Successful applicants celebrate their hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) moments after securing new career opportunities at the SM Retail Job Fair.

For many attendees, the event became more than just a job fair—it became an opportunity for a fresh start and a brighter future.

One hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicant shared how the SM Job Fair gave them renewed hope and confidence in finding meaningful work.

“Thanks, God! Kasi natanggap din naman agad ako at hindi ako nahirapan. Anong oras palang uuwi na ako kasi tanggap na ako. And this is my first time kasi umattend ng job fair. And hindi ako na disappoint kasi napaka accommodating ng staff kamo. At saka ambabait pa,” shared Marissa Orias Urbano, hired at Toy Kingdom.

Applicants line up early at the SM Retail Job Fair in search of fresh starts, 

meaningful work, and future opportunities.

Some successful hires plan to use their income to fund their education. Marcelo P. Magboo III who was hired at SM Appliance Center shared that he stopped his college education for almost two years because of financial problems. He participated in the SM Job Fair, “napagisip-isip ko po ngayon na, bakit hindi po ako magtrabaho para makapag-aral ulit… Masaya po (na natanggap), tumaas po yung chance na makapag-aral ako ulit. Thank you SM for giving me a chance to get a job… magkakaroon na ako ng pambayad sa sarili kong pag-aaral.”

Government and institutional partners also emphasized the importance of bringing opportunities closer to communities through accessible employment platforms.

From resumes to real opportunities—jobseekers connect directly with leading employers during the SM Retail Job Fair at SM City Dasmariñas.

Companies also shared how SM job fairs allowed them to more easily connect with talents and fill-up their vacancies. “Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm… andaming tao. Yung mga area na meron akong vacancy dito, around Dasma, Imus, and Bacoor… super happy kasi na filled-in na. So, may mga na hired on the spot kami. Thank you so much SM Dasmariñas. Sana marami pang job fair,” shared Daniela Capistrano, Talent Acquisition Officer from Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc.

Initiatives like the SM Job Fairs help bridge jobseekers to immediate employment opportunities while making the process more accessible and community-based. Meanwhile, DICT highlighted the importance of digital readiness and future-ready learning as part of today’s evolving workforce landscape through their booths.

The initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among SM Supermalls, SM Retail, Jobstreet, PSAC Jobs, PCCI, ECOP, PHILEXPORT, PESO, LGUs, DICT, and other institutional partners committed to supporting employment generation and workforce development.

Career opportunities across retail, customer service, operations, and management were made available during the SM Retail Job Fair.

One-Stop Job Application Experience

SM Job Fairs also integrate government support services to help streamline the hiring process for applicants. Participating agencies—including the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and other government partners—help applicants process essential employment requirements on-site, making the experience faster, easier, and more accessible.

This collaboration between government, industry, and private sector partners reflects a shared mission of helping more Filipinos move forward through employment and lifelong learning.

The successful turnout at SM City Dasmariñas also builds momentum for the upcoming nationwide Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs this June 12 across participating SM malls nationwide.

This year’s Independence Day Job Fairs will go beyond traditional hiring by integrating digital upskilling and future-ready learning opportunities in partnership with DICT, TESDA, Jobstreet, and local government partners. Main event activities will be highlighted at SM City East Ortigas, featuring digital upskilling sessions and participation from Pasig City local government and various institutional partners.

Partnerships between government, industry, and private sector groups help create more accessible employment opportunities for Filipinos.

Applicants can also look forward to learning opportunities focused on AI, digital productivity, cybersecurity awareness, and workplace readiness—supporting not only immediate employment, but long-term career growth in today’s evolving workforce.

Participating malls for the June 12 SM Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs include:

1. SM Megamall

2. SM City Marikina

3. SM Center Sangandaan

4. SM City East Ortigas

5. SM City San Lazaro

6. SM Center Las Piñas

7. SM City Sucat

8. SM City Rosales

9. SM City Laoag

10. SM City Tuguegarao

11. SM City Bataan

12. SM City Telabastagan

13. SM City San Jose Del Monte

14. SM City Dasmariñas

15. SM City Legazpi

16. SM City Bacolod

17. SM Seaside City Cebu

18. SM CDO Downtown Premier

19. SM City Davao

20. SM City General Santos

Additional SM Job Fairs and industry-focused hiring events will also continue throughout June in select SM malls nationwide, further strengthening SM Supermalls’ commitment to helping Filipinos access jobs, skills, and new opportunities closer to their communities.

1. June 3 - SM City Tuguegarao​

2. June 7 - SMX Davao - SM Lanang Premier (Tourism & Hospitality)​

3. June 9 - SM City Baliwag​

4. June 9 - SM City Davao (ICT companies)​

5. June 11 - SM City Valenzuela​

6. June 11 - SM City Bacoor​

7. June 11 - SM City San Mateo​

8. June 11 - SM City Iloilo​

9. June 16 - 17 - SM City Novaliches​

10. June 16 - 17 - SM City Iloilo (ICT companies)​

11. June 17 - SM City Calamba​

12. June 18 - SM City Bacolod​

13. June 18 - SM City Daet​

14. June 25 - SM City Trece Martires​

15. June 27 - SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)​

16. June 30 - SM Center Muntinlupa

At SM, opportunities go beyond employment—empowering more Filipinos to move forward through jobs, skills, and brighter possibilities for the future.

Schedules and participating malls are subject to change without prior notice. For updates and the latest list of participating malls, visit the SM Supermalls Job Fair Page or follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

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