In observance of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela helped bring economic freedom closer to thousands of residents. Together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the malls hosted back‑to‑back Kalayaan Job Fairs, offering nearly 10,000 local and overseas employment openings.
Across the two‑day initiative, 81 companies participated, listing 9,947 vacancies spanning various industries. This effort underscores SM Supermalls’ commitment to community empowerment—making quality career paths accessible right where people live.
Day 1: SM City Valenzuela — June 11
The series began at SM City Valenzuela, where 31 employers presented 2,190 local and overseas positions. Around 1,130 jobseekers attended, and 385 applicants were hired on the spot—clear proof of strong demand and effective matching between talent and businesses.
Day 2: SM Center Sangandaan — June 12
On Independence Day itself, activity shifted to SM Center Sangandaan with 50 participating firms offering 7,757 opportunities. Openings covered retail, BPO, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, food service, hospitality, and other growing sectors—giving attendees a broad range of choices.
More Than Just Hiring: A Complete Support Hub
Beyond connecting applicants to employers, the fair served as a one‑stop center for requirements. Attendees could process documents directly with agencies including:
- NBI • SSS • PhilHealth • Pag‑IBIG Fund • DOLE • Local PESO
Career‑building resources were also available through partners such as the DICT, TESDA, and JobStreet, adding skills training and guidance to the services offered.
Part of a Nationwide Movement
These events formed part of the broader Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fair program, a long‑standing collaboration between SM Supermalls and DOLE—one of the country’s largest coordinated employment drives.
The partnership continues to deliver strong results:
- May 1 Labor Day Job Fairs: 15 malls hosted simultaneous activities; over 17,000 applicants joined, with more than 1,000 hired immediately.
- January–May 2026 summary: 66 job fairs nationwide; 57,000+ jobseekers served, and over 6,000 hired on the spot.
By bringing nearly 10,000 career opportunities within easy reach of Northern Metro Manila communities, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Valenzuela champion inclusive progress—helping Filipinos gain economic independence, provide for their families, and build a stronger future.
