SM Supermalls Celebrates DOLE’s 92nd Anniversary and Marks 30,000th Hired-On-The-Spot Milestone

SM Supermalls, in strong  partnership with the Department of Labor  and Employment (DOLE), commemorates  the agency’s 92nd Founding Anniversarywith a landmark achievement: celebrating  the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao.

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as  the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th  hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing  thousands of lives changed through accessible  employment opportunities and meaningful  partnerships with industry employers.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

The 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, was hired on the spot as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s  during the anniversary job fair. Overwhelmed by the news, she shared: “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…  nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM. Hindi ko po akalain na hired on the spot ako.” She also encouraged other job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang  nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her story embodies the heart of the SM–DOLE partnership:  turning a simple decision to show up into opportunities that change lives.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted  over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and  resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM  Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM hosts job fairs, and together with DOLE and other government agencies, officially opens the event to employ more Filipinos

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real  pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more  than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years  of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that  empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our  partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

On-the-spot hiring– happy jobseekers  walk away with job  offers in hand,  proving that SM Job  Fairs are more than  events — they’re  gateways to  livelihood.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message,  underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has  been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at  SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE,  for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to  open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

SM Supermalls Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs Royston A. Cabunag said malls have evolved  into community spaces where lives change through the  SM–DOLE partnership, bringing companies and talents  together through accessible, community-driven  initiatives. He affirmed SM’s continued commitment to  making every job fair a gateway to a better life, supporting DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the  nation’s workforce.

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.

Together, SM and DOLE continue to expand job fair initiatives in key regions, hosting regular events that  streamline hiring, empower job seekers, and uplift Filipino families. By transforming malls into  opportunity centers where applicants can meet employers, receive guidance, and often secure positions  in a single day, the partnership strengthens local communities and supports inclusive economic growth.

At SM Job Fairs, you don’t just apply — you get interviews, career guidance, and access  to partner agencies all in one go. See you at the next one!

About SM Supermalls

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls— one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—remains a steadfast  partner in nation-building by opening doors to employment through  accessible job fairs in its 89 malls nationwide. For four decades, SM has  evolved beyond retail to become a platform for creating opportunities,  bridging job seekers with employers, and fostering inclusive economic  growth through strategic partnerships like its long-standing collaboration  with DOLE.