What if one day could shape both how you work and how you earn? Trabaho at Negosyo brings employment and entrepreneurship together—redefining the job fair as a career launchpad that connects Filipinos to jobs, mentoring, and skills for what comes next.

Thousands participated as Go Negosyo, in partnership with SM Supermalls, mounted the March 6 Trabaho at Negosyo at SM Mall of Asia—transforming a single day into a career crossroads all for Filipinos. Fully supported by SM Job Fairs and SM for MSMEs, this comprehensive event created vital community opportunities by matching job seekers with employers and providing aspiring entrepreneurs with expert mentorship and clear pathways to success.

“MSMEs like us contribute to the economy because as we expand, so does our requirements – like manpower, so we are able to contribute through creating jobs.” - JORGE WIENEKE of Tokyo Tempura

At the heart of the event was a large-scale job fair connecting applicants with employers from key sectors including BPO and IT, manufacturing, construction, real estate, healthcare and medical services, retail, financial services, tourism, hotels and restaurants, and the academe. Just steps away, aspiring entrepreneurs received practical mentoring on how to turn business ideas, side hustles, and small enterprises into sustainable ventures—demonstrating how trabaho and negosyo can grow side by side.

With SM Job Fairs providing the platform and reach, employment opportunities were brought closer to communities—making job access more immediate, practical, and inclusive. Meanwhile, SM for MSMEs highlighted the vital role of micro, small, and medium enterprises not only as businesses, but as job generators and engines of inclusive growth. While many participants were hired on the spot, others left inspired to build enterprises that could create jobs for others.

“Nakakatuwa po, ang bilis. In-expect ko po babalik pa ako. Masaya po ako, hindi na ako tambay! Sa tingin ko po mago-grow po ako sa bago kong work.” - MA. FLOREBEL QUILILAN, Hired on the Spot by Hi Precision

To further streamline the journey from application to employment, SM Government Service Express enabled participants to process key requirements on-site. Participating agencies included the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund—making essential services more accessible in one convenient location.

“Maganda po na nandito sa ganitong event, kasi we’re not just hiring, but we’re also on the lookout for opportunities for our business with the other businesses here, para po to compliment each other.”- MELODY ADVIENTO of Clinica Manila

Trabaho at Negosyo tells a bigger story—today’s job seeker can become tomorrow’s employer. By combining job matching, MSME mentoring, and government services in one space, the initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to workforce development where employment and entrepreneurship reinforce each other.

Through collaborations like this, SM Supermalls continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering Filipinos—championing both livelihoods and local enterprises, and proving that when trabaho and negosyo move together, communities move forward. 

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao
December 10, 2025. 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.

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.” 

On-the-spot hiring – happy jobseekers walk away with job offers in hand, proving that SM Job Fairs are more than events — they’re gateways to livelihood.

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. 

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair. 

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. 

At SM Job Fairs, you don’t just apply — you get interviews, career guidance, and access to partner agencies all in one go. See you at the next one!