SM Supermalls Celebrates DOLE’s 92nd Anniversary and Marks  30,000th Hired-On-The-Spot Milestone

 SM Supermalls, in strong  partnership with the Department of Labor  and Employment (DOLE), commemorates the agency’s 92nd Founding Anniversary with a landmark achievement: celebrating  the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao 

The 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, was hired on the spot as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s  during the anniversary job fair. Overwhelmed by the news, she shared: “Hindi po ako makapaniwala…  nag-try lang po akong mag-apply dito sa job fair dito sa SM. Hindi ko po akalain na hired on the spot ako.” She also encouraged other job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang  nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her story embodies the heart of the SM–DOLE partnership:  turning a simple decision to show up into opportunities that change lives. The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted  over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and  resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM  Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM hosts job fairs, and together with DOLE and other government agencies, officially opens the event to employ more Filipinos

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities 

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real  pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more  than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. As we celebrate DOLE’s 92 years  of service, we at SM reaffirm our commitment to this partnership — to continue providing platforms that  empower, connect, and uplift the Filipino workforce. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our  partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.” 

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message,  underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has  been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at  SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE,  for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to  open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.” 

SM Supermalls Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and  MSMEs Royston A. Cabunag said malls have evolved   into community spaces where lives change through the SM–DOLE partnership, bringing companies and talents together through accessible, community-driven initiatives. He affirmed SM’s continued commitment to making every job fair a gateway to a better life, supporting DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the nation’s workforce. 

Together, SM and DOLE continue to expand job fair initiatives in key regions, hosting regular events that  streamline hiring, empower job seekers, and uplift Filipino families. By transforming malls into  opportunity centers where applicants can meet employers, receive guidance, and often secure positions  in a single day, the partnership strengthens local communities and supports inclusive economic growth.