SM Job Fairs Empower Thousands with Jobs and Future-Ready Skills

The AI for All initiative transformed the job fair experience by combining hiring opportunities with free upskilling programs that prepare Filipinos for the future of work. From left to right: Bacoor PESO Manager Dr. Abraham De Castro, Councilor Alde Pagulayan, SM Job Fair Lead Cedrik Forbes, SM Bacoor Mall Manager Joie Arvesu, Thames International- AI Educator Jazmine De Luna, APC Marketing Director Paolo Laurena, SM Communities Lead AVP Royston Cabunag, and APC Architect Manolet Garcia.

MANILA, Philippines — SM Job Fairs continue to open life-changing opportunities for Filipino job seekers by combining immediate employment access with future-ready learning. In its recently concluded runs, the initiative delivered strong hiring results while introducing free upskilling sessions under AI for All—helping applicants not only land jobs, but stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workplace.

Long queues formed inside and outside the mall as a strong turnout marked the SM Job Fair at SM City Marikina, where job seekers lined up early for career opportunities and the chance to be hired on the spot.

Hopeful applicants filled the venue at SM City Bacoor, reflecting the strong demand for accessible employment opportunities closer to home.

One of the biggest highlights came from SM City Bacoor, where the April 8 job fair achieved a remarkable 78% hired-on-the-spot rate, one of the highest recorded across SM Job Fair events. The milestone was made possible through the strong partnership among SM, the City Government of Bacoor, and PESO Bacoor, connecting local talent with 62 participating companies across retail, finance, healthcare, logistics, and other sectors.

Meanwhile, at SM City Marikina, the second leg of AI for All showed how job fairs can evolve into platforms for lifelong learning. In partnership with industry and education collaborators, the program offered free courses and certifications that helped job seekers strengthen resumes, boost productivity, and build confidence in using artificial intelligence for work and career growth.

Job seekers, SM executives, government representatives, and institutional partners unite at the SM Job Fair in SM City Marikina to champion employment, collaboration, and community growth.

Beyond jobs, applicants gained future-ready skills through the AI for All upskilling session, equipping participants with digital tools for today’s evolving workplace 

For many attendees, the value of the event went beyond job applications. Participants shared appreciation for the rare opportunity to access free training and certifications, while others highlighted how added skills and credentials could make them more competitive in the job market.

Employers and partners also recognized the initiative’s impact. “Our company joined this initiative to help job seekers learn how to use AI when applying for work—from improving their CVs or resumes to making the process faster and more cost-efficient. Personally, I wanted to be part of this talk because it also allows me to grow through the experience and create value for myself and for others. And of course, it’s for SM as well,” said Joshua Ladero, AI Automation Specialist from Luna AI.

Government partners likewise cited the advantage of holding job fairs in SM malls, noting that the organized and comfortable venue setup allowed teams to focus on serving applicants while enabling employers and job seekers to stay engaged throughout the day—leading to stronger hiring outcomes. “Dito po sa SM, iba ang experience—pagdating namin, maayos na lahat, kaya nakaka-concentrate kami sa tunay naming work. At dahil komportable ang venue, hindi umaalis agad ang employers and applicants. Mas marami pong na i-interview at na-hi-hire,” said Maricar Bernardo, Administrative Aid I – Marikina City Government PESO.

Join Us This Labor Day

This Labor Day season, the initiative takes on even greater significance. In observance of Araw ng Manggagawa on May 1, SM Supermalls brings together jobs, skills development, and essential support systems at scale—reinforcing the vital role of employment in nation-building and helping Filipinos move forward.

Celebrating success stories at SM City Marikina as newly hired applicants posed with SM leaders and partners after securing jobs on the spot

Across SM malls nationwide, job seekers—from fresh graduates to career shifters—can take the next step toward a better future. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fairs have evolved into a complete career ecosystem that connects talent with employers while opening access to upskilling opportunities needed in a changing workforce. Because today, it’s not just about finding a job—it’s about being ready for what comes next.

From job applications and interviews to government requirements such as SSS, PhilHealth, and other employment documentation, the process becomes faster, easier, and more accessible for every applicant.

The Main Event – May 1 Job Fair Locations

• SMX Convention Center
• SM City Grand Central
• SM City Caloocan
• SM City Marikina
• SM City East Ortigas
• SM City Baguio
• SM City Laoag
• SM City Tuguegarao
• SM City Cabanatuan
• SM City Marilao
• SM City Pampanga
• SM City Olongapo Central
• SM City Taytay
• SM City Bacolod
• SM CDO Downtown Premier
• SM City Davao

*Schedule may change without prior notice. Visit www.smsupermalls.com/jobfair, scan the official Job Fair QR code, or follow SM Supermalls on social media for updates.

Other SM Job Fairs this May:

• May 2 - SM City Fairview
• May 2 - SM City Taytay
• May 7 - SM Center Pulilan
• May 9 - SM Seaside City Cebu
• May 13 - SM City Rosario
• May 14 - SM City Daet
• May 19 - SM City Lucena
• May 21 - SM City Trece Martires
• May 27 - SM City Dasmariñas

Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and valid IDs, and visit their nearest SM mall for a chance to be hired on the spot. Your next opportunity could be one resume away.

SM Marikina Mall Manager Brian Cruz, SM Job Fair lead Cedrik Forbes, SM Communities Lead AVP Royston Cabunag, Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro, Marikina Congressman Marcy Teodoro, DOLE Pamamarisan Field Office Roberto M. Chavez, Jr., SM Marikina Asst. Mall Manager Naelah Tulayba, SM Marikina Marketing Manager Yohan Olvarra) pose with hired-on-the-spot applicants at the SM Job Fair in SM City Marikina, celebrating successful hires and stronger public-private collaboration for employment.

Building Futures, Strengthening Communities 

The SM Job Fairs reflect SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to inclusive growth by bringing together government, business, and education sectors to create meaningful opportunities nationwide. By integrating hiring with upskilling, SM is helping shape a workforce that is not only employable today, but ready for tomorrow.

About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs

SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s leading mall developers—brings employment opportunities closer to Filipinos through accessible job fairs in malls nationwide. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM creates job fair experiences designed for different job seeker tribes—from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals—connecting them with employers and opportunities that match their goals. Through strong partnerships with government and industry, SM continues to empower Filipinos and strengthen communities—creating pathways to employment All For You.