SM leads job creation with ‘Trabaho para sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.)’

The quest for an empowered Filipino workforce accelerated as SM Supermalls, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), Jobstreet by SEEK, and its partners spearheaded the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan: J.O.B.S. (Job Opportunities Building Skills) Commitment Ceremony” at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 9, 2024. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers, tackling the challenge of unemployment in the Philippines.

Leading the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)’s Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.) initiative are SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (fifth from right), SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (fourth from left) with from left: Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Ayala Corporation Lead Independent Director Rizalina Mantaring, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer, and Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.

The ceremony, which brought together industry giants, prominent associations, and government leaders—including SM Supermalls, the Philippines' leading mall operator, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT)—to host a series of job fairs and provide an online job matching platform, signified a collaborative effort towards a common goal.

SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (center), SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (second from right) with, from left: Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, Ayala Corporation Lead Independent Director Rizalina Mantaring, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

SM's dedication to this cause is evident. “Since January, SM has hosted more than 60 job fairs nationwide, gathering around 2,000 employers, and engaging more than 35,000 applicants, with a significant number receiving on-the-spot job offers,” said SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy. “SM will continue to host weekly job fairs across various SM Supermalls nationwide with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) till November – in accessible and comfortable venues where companies and job seekers can find their right match.”

SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy

Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon

Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma

Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go

Leading brands seek talent

Coinciding with the commitment ceremony, a job fair was held with 44% Hired-on-the-Spot (HOTS) applicants, the highest so far in 60 job fairs. It featured a wide range of employers actively seeking talented individuals including brands like: BDO Unibank, BDO Life, SM Home/Homeworld, Our Home, SM Store, SM Retail, SM Fashion, Savemore, SM Stationery, SM Supermalls, SM Supermarket, Surplus, SM Hypermarket, Sports Central, 2GO, Ace Hardware, Alfamart, Goldilocks, Kultura, Baby Company, Star Appliance Center, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, and Watsons.

(L-R): Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Committee Head Secretariat Josephine Romero, Philippine Constructors Association President Ronaldo Elepano Jr., Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Carmela Torres, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris Magsaysay-Ho, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Executive Director Frankie Antolin, and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer during the panel discussion about job generation and upskilling, opportunities, and challenges.

Other companies include the 33rd Taftst, Inc. / Jollibee, Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli, Mini Depato Corp., Polystar General Services, Inc., Green Pasture, Sosa JB Property Management Corp., Robinsons Supermarket Corp., and Specialty Food Retailers Inc. / Rustan Group of Companies.

A sea of job seekers connects with top brands at the recent SM Mall of Asia Job Fair.

Expanding digital reach

Looking beyond the physical job fairs, SM Foundation and Jobstreet by SEEK announced a digital partnership. This online platform aims to broaden the scope of job search opportunities for Filipinos, and industry associations are collaborating to utilize it for advertising their vacancies.

Future careers take shape at the ‘Trabaho para sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.)’ job fair held at the SM Mall of Asia on May 9, 2024.

SM announced their pilot upskilling initiative, focusing on digital skills. This program, with plans for future expansion, aims to train and enhance the existing workforce, preparing them for the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

The ceremonial commitment between SM Foundation and Jobstreet by SEEK has laid the groundwork for a digital platform catering to job seekers, complementing SM’s weekly on-ground job fairs nationwide. SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (fourth from left) and Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon (fourth from right) are joined by, from left: Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, and Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.

For more details on the SM Job Fairs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. (SM Supermalls PR)

Catch these exciting deals at SM City Mindpro’s 3-Day Sale!

Nothing compares to the excitement SM City Mindpro has to offer as the mall rolls out the biggest 3-Day Sale happening on April 12-14, with one extra day on April 15.

Score the best deals at unbelievably great discounts of up to 70% off that apply to countless items mall-wide. Check out the latest finds from The SM Store, Uniqlo, Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Miniso, Sports Central, and Crocs.

Purchases could even bring you heaps of chances to bring home a brand-new Suzuki DZIRE GL MT! To join, shoppers may avail of P1000 worth of purchases to earn one e-raffle entry. Increase your chances of winning by getting additional coupons on Saturday (April 13) and Sunday (April 14) to double the entries.

While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at SM City Mindpro.

Snip hunt only at SM on its first 3-DAY SALE hurrah for 2024 and mark April 12-15 all the way from 9AM to 9PM. For mall events and updates, follow SM City Mindpro on all social media platforms.

10% off every first Tuesday! Celebrate Kabayan Day at SM Malls with BDO Remit

Great news for Filipino families with overseas workers! BDO Remit, the trusted remittance service of BDO Unibank, partners with SM to launch “Kabayan Day,” an exclusive year-round treat happening every first Tuesday of the month.

Kabayan Day is more than just discounts. It's a way to say thank you to our hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Enjoy up to 10% off at participating SM affiliates nationwide, including: SM Store, SM Appliance, SM Cinema, SM Skating, SM Bowling, SM Game Park, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Baby Company, Watsons, Miniso, Surplus, and Ace Hardware.

This initiative reflects the commitment of both BDO Remit and SM to empower and honor Filipinos. It goes beyond remittance services, creating a dedicated day to show appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs.

Ready to celebrate Kabayan Day? Visit your nearest SM branch on the first Tuesday of the month and don't forget to bring your BDO Kabayan Savings ATM card, Passbook, or a validated remittance payment slip to avail the discounts.

For more details, you can visit http://www.bdo.com.ph or follow the BDO Kabayan Facebook page.

SM, PESO unite for an exclusive job fair in Zamboanga City

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Zamboanga City, is proud to announce its exclusive job fair in celebration of Dia de Zamboanga. Scheduled to take place on February 23-24 at 9AM-3PM, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for job seekers and employers, showcasing a wide array of employment opportunities and fostering economic growth within the city.

The Job Fair, hosted at Claret School of Zamboanga Gymnasium, will serve as a platform for job seekers to connect with SM Group of Companies and its affiliates offering vacancies which participants can explore diverse career paths and interact with potential employers.

“We are excited to partner with PESO-Zamboanga City for the Dia De Zamboanga Job Fair, as we believe in the power of collaboration to drive positive change in our community,” said SM City Mindpro Senior HR Manager Allen Macaso. “This event underscores our commitment to supporting local talent and fostering economic opportunities that will benefit both individuals and businesses.”

Through the combined efforts of SM Supermalls and PESO-Zamboanga City, the job fair aims to address unemployment challenges while promoting inclusive growth and development.

The organizers extend a warm invitation to job seekers to participate in this activity and join hands in building a brighter future for Zamboanga City.