Mommy's MAG Life: DICT

SM Supermalls and DICT launched Digital Corners in SM Job Fairs

Department of Information and Communication Technology 12/12/2025 12:31:00 AM

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda and SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio formalize their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish digital corners in SM Job Fairs. The two leaders also reaffirm their shared commitment through the Pledge of Commitment Wall, championing real-world opportunities that empower young Filipinos to develop future-ready digital skills.

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has officially introduced Digital Corners to SM Job Fairs—an initiative launched during the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 held at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA.

An innovative learning solution, the Digital Corner is designed as a free, open-access upskilling hub within SM job fair venues. It offers job seekers training opportunities on digital literacy, Python programming, Google Career Certificate courses, basic networking, coding, cybersecurity, and online entrepreneurship.

SM Supermalls champions inclusivity and opportunity, helping create pathways for every Filipino student to succeed.

“This is the next step in our collective efforts to not only match jobs with job seekers but to equip them with future-ready digital skills,” said Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations, SM Supermalls. “By housing this initiative in SM malls, we’re turning job fairs into job-and-learning fairs—places where opportunity and capability meet.” The Digital Corner is expected to benefit thousands of Filipinos annually, especially graduating SHS students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further training in tech-enabled fields.

DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT STARTS WITH SHS STUDENTS

Nearly 1,000 SHS students, accompanied by parents and teachers from over 40 schools, participated in the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 launch. The event marks the rollout of the Enhanced Work Immersion Pilot (EWIP), a collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), with SM Supermalls serving as a key venue and industry partner, alongside SM Retail.

The Skydome at SM City North EDSA buzzed with energy as a thousand of Senior High School Students took their first step from classroom to career during the launch of the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS students, a program bridging education and employment opportunities for young learners

The EWIP is transforming the SHS experience by increasing work immersion hours from the current 80–320 hours to 420–640 hours. This expanded, hands-on training is backed by industry partners who co-develop training plans to align classroom learning with real-world skills in sectors like retail, hospitality, and technology.

Interactive booths from DICT and private partners let students explore future career paths and digital upskilling opportunities

At the launch, companies including SM Retail and Newport World Resorts provided students with insights into job expectations and workplace values. Throughout the day, students also attended career readiness sessions with experts and explored opportunities presented by industry and government partners in a special Digital Economy Showcase.

Industry leaders from SM Retail VP for Human Resources Ms. Maria Teresa P. Portillo, Newport World Resorts Marketing and Administrative Head Mr. Mark Ross Rubio and Department of Science and Technology- Information and Communications Office (DOST-ICT Office) Deputy Executive Director Ms. Beatrice Quimson share career insights and mentorship during the SHS Immersion Talks.

SM MALLS: THE FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY CENTERS

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—remains a steadfast partner in nation-building by opening doors to employment through accessible job fairs in its 88 malls nationwide. For four decades, SM has evolved into more than just a retail destination—it has become a platform for empowering Filipinos with livelihood opportunities, bridging job seekers with employers, and uplifting lives through strategic partnerships that foster workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

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Stay safe from phishing attacks as SIM Card Registration Deadline Approaches—Palo Alto Networks

Department of Information and Communication 7/24/2023 11:56:00 AM

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has clarified that there will be no further extension for SIM card registration in the Philippines. With the July 25, 2023 deadline set by the national government looming, only 60.75 percent of the total 168 million SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards have been registered so far, leaving over 40% of Filipinos at risk of deactivation and social engineering tactics such as phishing. Scammers are taking advantage of the situation, employing SMS messages to lure users into sharing personal information via bogus registration links, posing a persistent and dangerous threat.

The increasing number of unregistered SIM cards exposes users to potential deactivation of their mobile services, disrupting their communication capabilities. Additionally, as the deadline approaches, the risk of phishing attacks intensifies. Cybercriminals exploit SMS messages to deceive unsuspecting victims into divulging sensitive information, such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs), which grant them unauthorized access to accounts.

In a typical phishing attack, scammers will send fraudulent messages claiming to be from legitimate sources, like telecommunications companies, urging recipients to register their SIM cards by clicking on a link provided. Unsuspecting users, driven by fear of deactivation, may fall into the trap and unwittingly share their personal details, enabling cybercriminals to gain control over their accounts and exploit them for financial gain.

Palo Alto Networks shares some of the measures one can take to guard oneself against phishing attacks as the SIM card registration deadline approaches:

Exercise caution when presented with unknown links: Be wary of links received from unfamiliar numbers or sources, especially those claiming to be from your telecom provider. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, as they may lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal information.

Scrutinize links for anomalies: Check for misspellings or unusual URLs in the links provided. Phishers often employ tactics such as using slight variations of genuine domain names to deceive users.

Research official SIM registration procedures: Familiarize yourself with your network provider's legitimate process for SIM registration. This will help you distinguish between genuine communications and phishing attempts.

Stay informed on security measures: Some telecom providers and other organizations, such as banks, proactively block links via SMS to combat phishing attacks. Stay up-to-date with the security measures implemented by your trusted apps or organizations to enhance your protection.

Leverage Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Activating MFA provides an extra layer of security, acting as a vital firewall for your devices during this heightened risk period.

"Phishing attacks will persist as the SIM card registration deadline draws nearer. Cybercriminals' primary goal is to seize control of your number and exploit your OTPs to steal your money," said Steven Scheurmann, Regional VP for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks. "To stay safe, it's crucial to think before you click and remain vigilant whenever you need to share sensitive information. Embracing the Zero Trust principle and granting the least privilege to your personal data can significantly bolster your defenses against phishing threats."

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