SM Supermalls Honors DOLE’s 92nd Year and Reaches 30,000th Instant Hire Milestone
Tuguegarao City, Philippines — December 10, 2025 — SM Supermalls, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), celebrated the agency’s 92nd founding anniversary with a remarkable achievement: the program’s 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) successfully recorded during the job fair held at SM City Tuguegarao.
This joint event marked a meaningful milestone for both SM and DOLE as the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program reached 30,000 instant hires — a testament to the partnership’s impact in creating accessible employment opportunities and supporting thousands of Filipinos in their search for meaningful work.
A Life-Changing Day in Tuguegarao
The job fair’s 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, secured a Service Crew position at McDonald’s right on the spot. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she shared, “Hindi po ako makapaniwala… nag-try lang po ako mag-apply. Hindi ko po akalain na hired on the spot ako.” She also encouraged fellow job seekers to be brave: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari.”
Her story mirrors the very essence of the SM–DOLE collaboration: showing up can open doors to opportunities that transform lives.
Since November 2023, the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program has conducted over 370 job fairs nationwide, assisting more than 220,000 applicants and producing over 30,000 HOTS. This long-running initiative showcases the shared commitment of SM Supermalls and DOLE to broaden employment access and uplift communities across the country.
A Partnership That Builds Futures
SM Supermalls President Steven Tan highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“The SM–DOLE Job Fairs have grown into more than a project — they’ve become a bridge that connects dreams to real possibilities. As DOLE celebrates 92 years, we renew our dedication to providing platforms that empower and uplift Filipino workers. Congratulations, DOLE, and thank you for being our partner in nation-building.”
SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this, noting DOLE’s decades of service to the Filipino workforce:
“DOLE has always played a central role in shaping our nation’s labor landscape. We at SM are honored to walk alongside them in this mission. Together, we will continue opening paths to growth, dignity, and hope.”
Assistant Vice President for Job Fairs and MSMEs Royston A. Cabunag added that SM malls now function as community hubs where opportunities are created. By bringing employers and job seekers together in easily accessible spaces, SM continues to support DOLE in empowering the nation’s workforce.
Job Fairs That Open Doors — Fast
Through regular job fair events in key regions, SM and DOLE ensure job seekers can meet employers, receive guidance, and often secure job offers — all in just one visit. This streamlined approach boosts local employment, strengthens families, and supports inclusive economic development.
About SM Supermalls
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls remains one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and a long-standing partner in nation-building. With 89 malls nationwide, SM continues to champion job creation by hosting accessible job fairs and connecting Filipino workers with companies that help them build better futures.
