For thousands of Filipinos, this year's Independence Day celebration became more than a commemoration of freedom. It became a gateway to new careers, fresh opportunities, and a brighter future.
Through a nationwide partnership between SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), over 21,000 job seekers gained access to employment opportunities, government services, and skills training during the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs held across 20 SM malls nationwide.
The large-scale initiative brought together more than 800 employers and resulted in over 1,900 applicants being hired on the spot, demonstrating the continuing impact of accessible, community-based job fairs in helping Filipinos secure meaningful employment.
SM and DOLE Bring Employment Opportunities Closer to Communities
Held simultaneously across participating SM malls nationwide on June 12, the Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs connected job seekers with employers from a wide range of industries.
Opportunities were available in sectors such as:
- Retail
- Banking and financial services
- IT-BPM and BPO
- Hospitality and tourism
- Logistics
- Food service
- Education
- Healthcare
- Customer service
The collaboration between SM Supermalls and DOLE aimed to make job hunting more accessible by bringing employers and government services directly into local communities.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the importance of public and private sectors working together to serve Filipinos.
"Samantalahin natin ang lahat nang programa ng pamahalaan lalo na't habang nandito tayo. Sa SM maraming salamat, ang importante nagtutulungan po tayong lahat at ginagawa natin ang lahat nang ating makakaya," he said during the event.
More Than 1,900 Hired on the Spot
One of the most significant outcomes of the nationwide job fair was the number of immediate hires.
More than 1,900 applicants successfully secured employment offers on the same day, giving many participants an instant opportunity to begin a new chapter in their careers.
Among them was Patrick Tamayo, who landed a job as a Mobile Promoter.
"Masaya po ako na hired-on-the-spot ako. Matutulungan ko na po ang pamilya ko. Hindi ko po inaasahan na mabilis po ako matatanggap," he shared.
For Ma. Jamaica Pabunan, the job fair became a life-changing experience after she was hired on the spot as a Pharmacy Assistant.
"Naghahanap po talaga ako ng trabaho kaya pinagdasal ko po talaga na matanggap ako and answered prayer po," she said.
She also praised the event's organization, noting that it stood out from other job fairs she had previously attended.
Public-Private Partnership Creates Real Impact
The success of the initiative highlights the strength of the long-running partnership between SM Supermalls and DOLE.
By combining DOLE's labor programs and employment network with SM's nationwide reach and accessible community spaces, the partnership continues to bring employment opportunities closer to Filipinos.
According to Ryan Roberto Delos Reyes, Supervising Labor Employment Officer of DOLE NCR, collaboration with the private sector helps make government services more accessible.
"By partnering with the private sector, mas naging convergent ang ating approach para mas maibigay ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan. Maganda ang pakiramdam na makita ang ganitong turnout at pagkakaisa lalo na ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan."
Employers Support the Mission of Inclusive Employment
The event also allowed companies to connect directly with qualified candidates while supporting a broader effort to improve employment access.
For many employers, participation extended beyond recruitment goals.
"We joined the job fair not just to fill available positions but also to be part of SM's advocacy this Araw ng Kalayaan. We know there are many Filipinos looking for opportunities," said Hermie, Talent Acquisition Specialist of Home Credit Philippines.
Lisa, Assistant Human Resource Manager of Mesco, Inc., highlighted the convenience that job fairs provide for applicants.
"It's an opportunity for jobseekers to see and apply to different industries in one place. Mas malaking chances for jobseekers," she explained.
Job Fairs Now Include Upskilling and Future-Ready Learning
Beyond job opportunities, this year's Independence Day Job Fair placed a stronger focus on workforce readiness and digital skills development.
In partnership with organizations such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Jobstreet by SEEK, selected venues offered free learning opportunities designed to prepare participants for future careers.
Topics included:
- AI prompting
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Canva basics
- Digital literacy
- Livelihood development programs
According to Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, the initiative promotes lifelong learning alongside employment.
"Here at SM Job Fairs, we promote the freedom to grow, the freedom to upskill, and the freedom to find the job that suits you."
New Skills Open New Opportunities
For many attendees, the skills training sessions offered practical ways to earn additional income.
Rhodora Felipe of Pasig shared that learning how to create doormats and potholders gave her new ideas for supporting her family's daily expenses.
"Malaking tulong po itong skills na ito sa amin dahil pwede kong gamitin ito para makatulong sa gastusin at baon ng mga bata," she said.
Another participant, Linalyn Calingasan, hopes to transform her newly acquired skills into a livelihood venture with support from local partners.
These stories reflect how today's job fairs are evolving beyond recruitment events and becoming platforms for long-term career growth and entrepreneurship.
One-Stop Government Services Make Job Hunting Easier
To streamline the application process, SM Job Fairs also featured a One-Stop Government Service Express that allowed applicants to process essential employment requirements in one location.
Participating agencies included:
- SSS
- PhilHealth
- Pag-IBIG Fund
- NBI
- Public Employment Service Offices (PESO)
This setup helped applicants save time and money by completing multiple requirements during a single visit.
The integrated approach demonstrates how SM Job Fairs continue to evolve into comprehensive career development hubs that connect Filipinos not only to jobs, but also to services, training, and long-term opportunities.
Creating Opportunities That Change Lives
Behind every résumé submitted and every interview conducted is a story of determination, resilience, and hope.
For some participants, the job fair represented their first step into the workforce. For others, it offered a chance to rebuild their careers, support their families, or discover new income opportunities through skills development.
The more than 1,900 hired-on-the-spot applicants serve as a reminder of how accessible employment programs can create meaningful impact across communities.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno highlighted the importance of creating more jobs for Filipinos.
"Pagmalasakitan ninyo ang obligasyon ninyo sa kumpanya nang sa gayon ay sila ay lumago at patuloy silang maghahanap ng trabahante. That is my goal. That is our vision. That is our program. To provide as many jobs as we can, jobs for everyone."
More SM Job Fairs Scheduled Nationwide
For job seekers who were unable to attend the June 12 event, SM Supermalls continues to organize job fairs throughout the year across various locations nationwide.
Upcoming June schedules include:
- June 16-17: SM City Novaliches (QC University Job Fair)
- June 16-17: SM City Iloilo (ICT Companies)
- June 17: SM City Calamba
- June 18: SM City Bacolod
- June 18: SM City Daet
- June 19: SM City Baliwag (NU Job Fair)
- June 25: SM City Trece Martires
- June 27: SM City Bataan (Trabaho at Negosyo)
- June 30: SM Center Muntinlupa
As SM Supermalls and DOLE continue strengthening their partnership, these initiatives demonstrate how bringing jobs, skills training, and government services closer to communities can help empower Filipinos and support long-term economic growth.
Because for many Filipinos, finding a job is not just about earning a living. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and moving one step closer toward a better future.