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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.”

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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together. Through SM Job Fairs, SM continues to evolve with the aspirations of Filipino job seekers by making employment opportunities more accessible across its malls nationwide. Designed for diverse job seeker communities—from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals—SM connects talent with employers through meaningful partnerships that support workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

Your EDSA Commute is Getting An Upgrade at My SM

 

SM Supermalls’ twin initiatives make the everyday journey more accessible

SM malls are evolving to support access to key transportation points. (In photo: The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge enhances pedestrian circulation and seamless access within one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial and transport hubs.) 

For millions of Filipinos navigating EDSA, the daily commute could soon become safe, more seamless, and more convenient. As SM continues its transformation journey beyond its retail and shared spaces, its malls are also evolving to make getting to and from key transport hubs easier for commuters. 

In the coming months, mallgoers can look forward to improved connections through the SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North EDSA MRT-7 link. The projects aim to shorten long walks to transportation hubs while giving commuters familiar, well-lit, and ventilated access and departure points.

The completion of the SM Megamall EDSA Busway link, which connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the EDSA Bus Carousel, provides an accessible entrance and exit point for commuters. 

Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, commuters had to pass through the congested MRT-3 footbridge to reach the EDSA Carousel. The new pedestrian bridge significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk, allowing easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.

The SM Megamall Busway Link features an elevated enclosed pedestrian bridge and concourse spanning EDSA.

The elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from rough weather conditions. The vast space has ramps and an elevator to ensure easy access for commuters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Link provides commuters with easier access to the bus carousel platform, which offers northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the SM North EDSA–MRT 7 Link will provide commuters with seamless access to the Common Station linking MRT-3, LRT-1, the soon-to-be-operational MRT-7, and nearby establishments. Pedestrians can safely walk from hub to hub as the walkway will be fully covered to protect them from harsh weather conditions. 

These pedestrian walkways, done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, are part of SM Supermalls’ broader initiative to create commuter-friendly facilities around their most-loved SM Supermalls. 

Under the MY SM Transportation e, the mall operator is reimagining the daily commute—not simply by improving access to transportation, but by creating safer, more comfortable, and more convenient journeys for everyone. By putting everyday commuter needs at the heart of these improvements, SM aims to make getting from one place to another a more seamless part of everyday life. 

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About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

SM City Baguio Shares the Love of Learning Through AI, Connecting Generations in the Digital Age

BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES – Learning knows no age. At SM City Baguio, children and senior citizens came together to discover the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during an interactive learning session held in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR).

 

More than an introduction to emerging technology, the session created a space where generations could learn together, ask questions, and discover how AI can be used responsibly in everyday life.

10-year-old Jacob Jimenez raises questions during the AI learning session, exploring how Artificial Intelligence can support learning and creativity.

For young participants, the activity encouraged curiosity and creativity, showing how AI can support learning and inspire new ideas. Ten-year-old Jacob Jimenez, a Grade 5 student, was eager to explore more.

“I want to know more about AI because it is futuristic technology. I tried a game where you have to use AI, and I also made an app,” Jacob shared.

His mother, Joan Jimenez, appreciated the opportunity for children to become more familiar with technology that is increasingly part of their everyday lives.

“I am very thankful kasi ino-open ng SM City Baguio ang mga ganitong opportunities para sa mga kids. I hope na mas marami pang ganitong programs,” she shared.

 

Senior citizens actively engage in a discussion on Artificial Intelligence with DICT-CAR, gaining practical insights on how AI can be used safely and responsibly in everyday life.

For senior citizens, the session offered a chance to become more comfortable with digital technology while learning important lessons on online safety and scams.

Cheryl Alquiza proudly shows her certificate after completing the AI learning session led by DICT-CAR at SM City Baguio

Senior participant Cheryl Alquiza shared how the discussions helped her become more aware of potential risks in the digital space.

“We learned so much information... Sometimes, we are very vulnerable to scams,” Cheryl shared.

   

AI FOR ALL AGES – Senior citizens and kids actively participate in the AI learning session led by DICT-CAR.

The inclusive nature of the activity highlighted how technology can bring people together across generations.

“From kids to seniors, it only goes to show na yung technology ay walang pinipiling edad. Very inclusive siya,” said DICT-CAR Engineer Katherine Aguilar.

 

For SM City Baguio, the initiative reflects its commitment to creating meaningful experiences that bring communities closer, making the mall not only a place for shopping and entertainment, but also a space for learning, connection, and growth.

Through initiatives like this, SM continues to share the Love of Community by creating opportunities where everyone, regardless of age, can learn, participate, and embrace the possibilities of a digital future.