SM for MSMEs Brings Opportunities Closer Nationwide this May

Metro Manila, Philippines — This May, SM Supermalls, through its SM for MSMEs program, continues to empower entrepreneurs and communities by rolling out a series of high-impact initiatives across the country - creating spaces where local businesses grow, jobseekers find opportunities, and communities thrive.

From local bazaars to job and business programs and regional trade showcases, SM reinforces its role as a nationwide platform for inclusive growth, enabling community opportunities  by connecting MSMEs to markets, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

Celebrating Local Love at NakakaLocal Bazaar in Davao (May 8–10)

SM Supermalls executives Jason Penna, Asst. Mall Manager of SM Baguio, Pats Dy, Senior Asst. Vice President for SM Communities Marketing and Royce Cabunag, Asst. Vice President and Lead for SM Communities together with Lucien C. Dy Tioco, EVP of PhilSTAR Media Group; Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council; Atty. Raymond G. Panhon, regional director, CAR Department of Trade and Industry open the NakakaLocal Bazaar at SM City Baguio, championing Filipino MSMEs and local creativity.

Kicking off the month is the PHILSTAR NakakaLocal Bazaar at SM City Davao from May 8 to 10, transforming the Annex Event Center into a vibrant celebration of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship.

Timed with Mother’s Day, the bazaar offers a curated selection of thoughtful gifts, local crafts, and proudly Pinoy products, making it the perfect destination for families looking to celebrate with heart. Shoppers can discover unique finds, enjoy live performances from local artists, and experience the warmth of community through homegrown brands.

More than a retail event, NakakaLocal highlights how SM Supermalls provides MSMEs with high-visibility platforms that turn passion into progress.

Connecting Jobs and Businesses in Cebu (May 9)

On May 9, opportunities take center stage at SM Seaside City Cebu through Trabaho at Negosyo, a flagship program of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship – Go Negosyo. Happening at the Mountain Wing Atrium, the event brings together jobseekers, entrepreneurs, mentors, and employers in one accessible venue - offering free business mentorship, financial guidance, market linkages, and on-the-spot job opportunities.

Angkas CEO George Royeca, HE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., LT Group Inc. President Micheal Tan, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, Pasay Mayor Emi Rubiano, Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, PCCI Chairman George Barcelon and SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, come together at Trabaho at Negosyo at SM Mall of Asia, reinforcing collaboration for livelihood and enterprise development.

Through programs like Trabaho at Negosyo, SM Supermalls strengthens its role as a community hub for opportunity, helping Filipinos build livelihoods, grow businesses, and prepare for a future-ready workforce.

A strong turnout of participants fills SM Mall of Asia, reflecting the growing demand for jobs, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities

jobseeker at SM East Ortigas celebrates being hired on the spot at Trabaho at Negosyo—demonstrating how SM connects Filipinos to real opportunities.

A spot jobseeker at SM East Ortigas celebrates being hired on the spot at Trabaho at Negosyo—demonstrating how SM connects Filipinos to real opportunities.

MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs receive guidance from industry mentors, highlighting SM’s role as a hub for growth and learning.

Showcasing Negrense Excellence at the Bulawan Trade Fair (May 26–31)

Closing the month is the highly anticipated Bulawan Trade Fair at SM City Bacolod from May 26 to 31, in partnership with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP). The fair serves as a premier showcase of Negrense craftsmanship, innovation, and product excellence, featuring a diverse range of food, fashion, home décor, and artisanal goods. It also highlights prestigious competitions such as the Bulawan Awards, Pilak Awards, and Balik Salig Design Competition, recognizing excellence in design and product development

Visitors explore curated exhibits of award-winning products, celebrating excellence in design and product development from Negros Island.

More than a regional showcase, the Bulawan Trade Fair serves as a gateway to national opportunities, enabling MSMEs to scale from local enterprises into competitive brands through SM’s expansive retail network.

Negrense craftsmanship takes the spotlight at the Bulawan Trade Fair in SM City Bacolod, showcasing locally made products rooted in culture and innovation. An artisan demonstrates traditional weaving techniques, preserving heritage while creating livelihood opportunities through SM’s platform

A Nationwide Platform for MSME Success

Across all these initiatives, one thing remains clear: SM Supermalls is more than a retail destination—it is a platform for growth, collaboration, and nation-building.

By providing:

• High-impact marketplaces

• Access to mentorship and market opportunities

• Platforms for employment and entrepreneurship

• Strong partnerships with government and private sector organizations

SM continues to champion over 17,000 MSMEs nationwide, helping them connect with customers, expand their reach, and build sustainable businesses.

From Davao to Cebu to Bacolod, SM for MSMEs brings opportunities closer to Filipinos - proving that when the right platforms are in place, local businesses don’t just grow, they thrive. Visit participating SM malls this May and be part of a movement that champions Filipino entrepreneurship and builds a more inclusive and resilient Philippine economy.

The Bulawan Trade Fair transforms SM City Bacolod into a dynamic marketplace where MSMEs connect with wider markets and new opportunities.

About SM Supermalls - MSMEs

SM Supermalls - one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 90 malls nationwidcreates business opportunities through its SM for MSMEs advocacy program, by providing market access, visibility, mentorship, and a marketplace where enterprises can grow and thrive. By connecting entrepreneurs to communities and customers, SM enables businesses to scale and succeed. Because when MSMEs thrive, communities grow stronger—reflecting SM’s commitment to building a future designed All For You. To learn more, visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com.

SM reinforces public safety through nationwide Fire Prevention Month programs

Participants from SM Supermalls, the Bureau of Fire Protection, partner agencies, and community volunteers come together for the Fire Prevention Month activities, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety, preparedness, and building disaster-resilient communities.

MANILA, Philippines, April 06, 2026 - Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and community resilience, SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led a series of impactful, nationwide initiatives in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, empowering Filipinos with life-saving knowledge, preparedness skills, and a shared responsibility for fire safety across its network of most-loved malls.

Mounted through SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill engaged almost 30,000 participants composed of SM employees, tenant employees, security and janitorial personnel, students, mall goers, and residents of barangays near SM malls which was a 30% increase in participants versus the previous year.

With the theme ‘Sa pag-iwas sa sunog hindi ka nag-iisa, kababaihan kasama mo!’, the drill strengthened coordination in emergency response, especially helping communities practice life-saving evacuation procedures. In addition, the Fire Square Road Show brought interactive fire safety education to the public across 16 participating SM malls, reaching 8,611 participants through demonstrations, equipment showcases, and hands-on safety activities designed for families, students, and community members. 

A large-scale Fire Prevention Month illumination at the SM Mall of Asia Globe featured a dramatic “Venus Symbol Formation” created by 263 fire trucks and emergency vehicles, with 2,827 participants, honoring firefighters and raising awareness about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

The search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) 2026 was formally launched with officers of SM, BFP and DILG headed by Usec. Rolando C. Puno as Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS). TOFF is on its 3rd solid year of recognizing Filipino firefighters for their exemplary service in fire safety and protection, emergency response, community education, and resilience-building initiatives. This highlights the partnership between SM Prime and BFP for a safer, more resilient Philippines.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

About SM Cares

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement. 

 

On March 1, the SM Mall of Asia Globe lights up in purple signaling the joint celebration of Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month 2026. The purple illumination and formation of the Venus symbol signifies dignity, justice, and empowerment for all women and girls, and marking the start of SM Cares’ month-long advocacy in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Women on Fire: Women firefighters take part in the 5th SM & BFP Nationwide Simultaneous Fire Drill on March 3 at SM Mall of Asia, showcasing courage, skill, and leadership while advancing the role of women in safety, service, and community protection.

A woman BFP firefighter teaches Hands-Only CPR to young students during the Fire Square Road Show at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on March 3, underscoring the importance of education and community awareness in building a safer, more prepared future.

The official launch of the TOFF 2026 on March 3 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with DILG Usec. Rolando C. Puno as GOHAS together with SM officers, TOFF 2025 judges and BFP Officer-in-Charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu

Instant Jobs, Real Impact: Stories from SM Group Job Fair at SM North EDSA

   

“Hindi ko po akalain na matatanggap ako ngayon,” shared Felo Garcia, hired on the spot as a Sales Associate. “Salamat po SM dahil makaka-provide na ako sa mga pangangailangan ng anak ko at pamilya ko.”

Another hired-on-the-spot applicant, Joel Azores, emphasized the credibility and impact of the event, saying, “One hundred percent ka po matatanggap sa Mega Job Fair dahil puro legit na company dito.”

With 25 participating employers, more than a thousand job seekers, and 236 or 22% hired on the spot, the annual SM Group Job Fair at SM City North EDSA once again proved to be a powerful platform for connecting Filipinos to real and immediate employment opportunities.

Led by SM Retail, the job fair gathered companies from across the SM Group’s diverse businesses—spanning malls and real estate, retail, food and beverage, logistics, education, and banking. More than just high foot traffic, the event delivered high intent, high engagement, and strong hiring outcomes.

From application to employment—on the same day

One of the strongest highlights of the job fair was the number of applicants hired on the spot (HOTS), showcasing the efficiency and accessibility of SM’s hiring ecosystem.

For many job seekers, the experience was nothing short of life-changing. Through on-site interviews and real-time assessments, applicants were able to move quickly from application to employment—removing the long waiting periods often associated with traditional recruitment.

A job fair that works for real people

For many first-time job seekers and breadwinners, the SM Job Fair offered not just jobs—but relief, speed, and hope. “Makakatulong yung ganitong pa-event sa mga pamilya,” shared Joshua Bulauitan, hired on the spot as a Sales Clerk. “Kung wala kang trabaho at nagigipit ka na, pumunta ka lang dito—may instant trabaho ka.”

This immediate hiring momentum reflects SM Retail’s consistently strong hiring demand and absorption rates, ensuring that SM Job Fairs translate into real jobs—not just applications.

Employers meet job-ready talent, faster

Employers likewise cited the effectiveness of SM Job Fairs in reaching the right candidates efficiently.

 “Sumali po kami dito because we are looking to hire more employees,” said Lyka Sababan of SM Appliance Center. “Alam po namin na maraming jobseekers ang pumupunta dito, and effective po talaga ang job fairs para sa mga companies na naghahanap ng new employees.”

Meanwhile, financial services firms highlighted the long-term success of hires from SM Job Fairs.

“The candidates we hired from our last job fair here at SM North EDSA have good profiles,” shared Tia Macatlang of BDO Life, “and we see that they are now successful financial advisers.”

Strengthening employment through public-private collaboration

The job fair was held in partnership with key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)—underscoring the value of public-private collaboration in employment generation.

 

“Malaki ang tulong ng SM Supermalls sa PESO at DOLE,” said Jon Tito, Group Leader of QC PESO. “Kinakalat nila ang opportunities para sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho.”

SM Government Service Express: making hiring easier, faster

To further simplify the employment journey, the job fair featured SM Government Service Express, a one-stop hub where applicants could process pre-employment requirements in one location.

Participating agencies included the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, and the Philippine National Police for police clearance.

“Pinapadali ng ganitong job fairs ang mga oportunidad para sa jobseekers,” explained Adolf Hernandez of PhilHealth QC. “May hired on the spot ka na, at nandito na rin ang mga government agencies para sa requirements.”

SSS echoed this, emphasizing accessibility: “Importante na sumasali ang mga government agencies sa job fairs,” said Ava Michelle Estrella of SSS, “kasi on the spot, natutulungan namin ang applicants sa pagkuha ng requirements.”

Bringing opportunities closer, nationwide

Following the strong turnout at SM City North EDSA, SM Supermalls continues to bring job opportunities closer to Filipinos with a series of job fairs nationwide this March:

• March 4 – SM Center Antipolo

• March 6 – SM Mall of Asia

• March 11 – SM City Davao

• March 13 – SM City Trece Martires

• March 20 – SM City North EDSA

• March 25 – SM City Urdaneta Central

• March 26 - SM City Tuguegarao

• March 27 – SM City Trece Martires

• March 27 – SM City Cauayan

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Jobseekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, valid IDs, and other basic pre-employment requirements, and to arrive early to maximize interview opportunities. Admission to SM Job Fairs is free and open to the public, unless otherwise specified.

For updates on schedules and participating employers, applicants may visit SM Supermalls’ official social media pages or inquire at the customer service desk of participating malls.

Turning malls into platforms for opportunity

The continued success of the SM Job Fair highlights how the country’s most loved malls are evolving beyond retail becoming platforms that deliver real-world solutions for Filipinos.

By bringing together employers, job seekers, and government agencies in one accessible space, SM Supermalls continues to max out experiences—turning malls into hubs where careers begin, requirements are completed, and futures move forward.

At SM Supermalls, opportunities don’t just exist—they feel possible. 

About SM Supermalls – Job Fairs 

SM Supermalls one of Southeast Asia’s leading mall developers continues to maximize the job fair experience by bringing employment opportunities closer to Filipinos through accessible job fairs across its malls nationwide. As the country’s most preferred and loved retail destination, SM designs job fair experiences that are personal, inclusive, and responsive to different job seeker tribes

from fresh graduates and career shifters to experienced professionals matching them with employers aligned to their goals and aspirations. More than a venue, SM serves as a platform for empowerment, connecting talent to opportunity, strengthening workforce development, and supporting inclusive economic growth through strong partnerships.