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.
December 10, 2025. By commemorating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) at a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao, SM Supermalls, in close collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), marks the agency’s 92nd founding anniversary.
A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao
During the anniversary employment fair, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, the 30,000th HOTS, was immediately hired by McDonald’s as a part of the service crew. “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…” she said, overwhelmed by the news. “Nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM.” She also urged other job seekers, saying, “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. I didn’t get hired right away.” “Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her experience exemplifies the core of the SM–DOLE collaboration: transforming a straightforward choice to show up into life-changing chances.
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.”
Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.
According to Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs at SM Supermalls, the SM–DOLE relationship has transformed malls into community places that transform lives by connecting businesses and talents through accessible, community-driven programs. In support of DOLE’s longstanding role in forming the country’s workforce, he reaffirmed SM’s unwavering commitment to making every job fair a doorway to a better life.
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!
In order to facilitate hiring, empower job seekers, and support Filipino families, SM and DOLE collaborate to extend job fair activities in strategic areas. The alliance promotes equitable economic growth and enriches local communities by converting malls into opportunity centers where candidates may meet businesses, get advice, and frequently land jobs in a single day.
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