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.

TRABAHO O NEGOSYO LAUNCHES at SM MOA

 

What if one day could shape both how you work and how you earn? Trabaho at Negosyo brings employment and entrepreneurship together—redefining the job fair as a career launchpad that connects Filipinos to jobs, mentoring, and skills for what comes next.

Thousands participated as Go Negosyo, in partnership with SM Supermalls, mounted the March 6 Trabaho at Negosyo at SM Mall of Asia—transforming a single day into a career crossroads all for Filipinos. Fully supported by SM Job Fairs and SM for MSMEs, this comprehensive event created vital community opportunities by matching job seekers with employers and providing aspiring entrepreneurs with expert mentorship and clear pathways to success.

“MSMEs like us contribute to the economy because as we expand, so does our requirements – like manpower, so we are able to contribute through creating jobs.” - JORGE WIENEKE of Tokyo Tempura

At the heart of the event was a large-scale job fair connecting applicants with employers from key sectors including BPO and IT, manufacturing, construction, real estate, healthcare and medical services, retail, financial services, tourism, hotels and restaurants, and the academe. Just steps away, aspiring entrepreneurs received practical mentoring on how to turn business ideas, side hustles, and small enterprises into sustainable ventures—demonstrating how trabaho and negosyo can grow side by side.

With SM Job Fairs providing the platform and reach, employment opportunities were brought closer to communities—making job access more immediate, practical, and inclusive. Meanwhile, SM for MSMEs highlighted the vital role of micro, small, and medium enterprises not only as businesses, but as job generators and engines of inclusive growth. While many participants were hired on the spot, others left inspired to build enterprises that could create jobs for others.

“Nakakatuwa po, ang bilis. In-expect ko po babalik pa ako. Masaya po ako, hindi na ako tambay! Sa tingin ko po mago-grow po ako sa bago kong work.” - MA. FLOREBEL QUILILAN, Hired on the Spot by Hi Precision

To further streamline the journey from application to employment, SM Government Service Express enabled participants to process key requirements on-site. Participating agencies included the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund—making essential services more accessible in one convenient location. 

“Maganda po na nandito sa ganitong event, kasi we’re not just hiring, but we’re also on the lookout for opportunities for our business with the other businesses here, para po to compliment each other.”- MELODY ADVIENTO of Clinica Manila 

Trabaho at Negosyo tells a bigger story—today’s job seeker can become tomorrow’s employer. By combining job matching, MSME mentoring, and government services in one space, the initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development where employment and entrepreneurship reinforce each other.

Through collaborations like this, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering Filipinos—championing both livelihoods and local enterprises, and proving that when trabaho and negosyo move together, communities move forward.

DTI, PRA, and SCMAP launch “Job Blueprint” with SM Supermalls

 The future of employment in the Philippines' wholesale and retail trade sector got a major boost on June 16, 2025. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), officially launched Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector at SM City North EDSA. The initiative included a two-day job fair, offering immediate hiring opportunities to Filipino job seekers.

(L-R): Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) President Dennis Llovido, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Engelbert Chua, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, and Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr. attend the media launch of the Section G: Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade on June 16, 2025, at SM North EDSA.

The Section G Job Blueprint, developed through extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, highlights the strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and mall leadership to address workforce gaps in retail and supply chain. Serving as a foundation for future reforms, it aims to boost employment growth by leveraging the sector’s vital contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its role as a key employer of over 10 million Filipinos, according to the DTI.

Industry support and immediate impact

The job fair, which offered hundreds of career opportunities from leading retailers and logistics providers, drew a diverse crowd of job seekers eager to engage with PRA and SCMAP member companies recruiting for roles in merchandising, warehousing, logistics, and frontline retail.

In the photo: SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Job Fairs Royce Cabunag, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Roberto Claudio Sr., and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Engelbert Chua at the launch of the two-day Section G: Job Blueprint for the Wholesale and Retail Trade Sector job fair at SM North EDSA.

 “This is more than just a job fair—it’s a call to action,” said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President of Marketing at SM Supermalls. “We are proud to partner with DTI, PRA, and SCMAP in hosting this meaningful initiative that connects people to opportunity and promotes inclusive employment.”

SM Supermalls, as host venue and promotional partner, reinforced its commitment to national workforce development and economic recovery. This event is part of SM’s ongoing support for programs that empower micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), job seekers, and industry players.

Job seekers connect with leading retailers and logistics providers offering roles in merchandising, warehousing, and frontline retail.

With Section G now officially launched, stakeholders look forward to implementing its key recommendations and building a stronger, more resilient retail trade sector for all.

SM Supermalls joins the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) in driving inclusive employment at the launch of the Section G Job Blueprint.

About SM Supermalls Job Fairs 

SM Supermalls, a division of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the Philippines' leading developer, operator, and owner of world-class malls. SM Supermalls is dedicated to fostering sustainable and community-centric developments. Through initiatives like job fairs, SM Supermalls continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building, offering opportunities that transform lives and contribute to the well-being of Filipino communities.  

 

SM Supermalls supports first-ever TESDA jobs and skills matching fair

 Your IT-BPO career starts at SM Center Muntinlupa.

In collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair on June 19, 2025. This one-day event offers jobseekers—particularly those interested in the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) industry—a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

At the Skills Hub, jobseekers will undergo a one-on-one evaluation using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF). This identifies any skills gaps and recommends tailored training programs and career pathways. TESDA will then match these near-hires with accredited training institutions and available scholarship opportunities.

After completing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers—ensuring a full-circle career pipeline from application to employment readiness.

While this launch is a low-key pilot, it signifies a major step forward in creating more responsive, skills-based employment solutions. 

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a next-gen approach to job fairs—one that goes beyond resumes and job vacancies to focus on real-time skills-building and industry needs.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn’t just another job fair—it’s a one-stop opportunity hub. Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can access skills training, career guidance, and essential government services such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

SM Job Fairs: Bringing career opportunities nationwide

SM Supermalls is making job hunting easier, faster, and more rewarding! February’s job fairs set the stage for 2025, with the SM Retail Job Fair at SM North EDSA successfully connecting more than a thousand job seekers with top employers. Now, the momentum continues with a nationwide series of job fairs this March, offering even more opportunities for Filipinos to build their careers.

SM Retail's Job Fair at SM North EDSA bridges thousands of job seekers with leading employers.

The March schedule includes:

• March 21 (Friday) – SM City Trece Martires and SM City Naga

• March 25 (Tuesday) – SM City Bacoor

• March 27 (Thursday) – SM City Daet

• March 28 (Friday) – SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Trece Martires

• March 29 (Saturday) – SM Seaside City Cebu

Success stories: Real people, real impact

SM Job Fairs continue to change lives by providing a fresh start, stable incomes, and career growth. Here’s what some of our hired-on-the-spot applicants had to say:

John Paul Arido begins his career journey as a Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket.

 “This is the best—I can finally stand on my own and support my family! Thank you, SM Job Fair, for this life-changing opportunity. I hope more job seekers take advantage of this chance to build a better future.” - John Paul Arido, a newly hired Stock Clerk at SM Hypermarket

SM Hypermarket welcomes Maria Patricia De Leon, a new Customer Assistance team member hired instantly.

"Getting hired on the spot was both exciting and overwhelming since this is my first job fair. Thank you, SM, for creating opportunities like this—your job fairs truly make a difference for job seekers like me!" - Maria Patricia De Leon, hired on the spot for Customer Assistance at SM Hypermarket

Joselito Oniza joins the Watsons team as a proud pharmacist assistant.

"I’m grateful to be hired on the spot after two months of job hunting. This opportunity means so much to me and my family. The SM Job Fair was well-organized, and the staff were very approachable, making the entire process smooth and comfortable.” - Joselito Oniza, hired pharmacist assistant at Watsons 

Teresa Enriquez, Toy Kingdom’s newest cashier, is excited to start her journey in customer service.

"I’ve been following SM Supermalls’ job fair schedule, hoping for a chance to work for an SM-affiliated company. Being hired on the spot made the wait completely worth it! What sets SM Job Fairs apart is the quality of employers—established, reputable companies that offer real career opportunities. I’m truly grateful for this experience!" - Teresa Enriquez, Cashier at Toy Kingdom

Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services

Finding a job is easier when everything you need is in one place! SM Job Fairs feature government agency booths to assist applicants with essential requirements, such as Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund—ensuring a smooth hiring process.

Driving growth, building the nation

More than just hiring events, SM Job Fairs contribute to economic recovery and uplift communities. With SM Supermalls' commitment to employment, more Filipinos are securing brighter futures. Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out! 

SM Retail and SM North EDSA unite to empower job seekers at a bustling job fair.