SM and DOLE Bring Freedom Through Opportunities this Philippine Independence Day

 

As the nation celebrates the 128th Philippine Independence Day, SM Supermalls and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) continue their long-standing partnership to bring meaningful employment opportunities closer to Filipinos.

This June 12, SM and DOLE will simultaneously mount Araw ng Kalayaan Job Fairs across 20 SM malls nationwide, bringing together employers, government agencies, and thousands of jobseekers in one of the country’s largest coordinated Independence Day hiring initiatives.

For decades, SM and DOLE have worked hand in hand to make jobs more accessible to communities nationwide. The strength of this partnership was evident during the Labor Day Job Fairs last May 1, when DOLE organized simultaneous job fairs in 15 SM venues, supporting more than 17,000 jobseekers and resulting in over 1,000 hired-on-the-spot (HOTS).

A Continuing Partnership for Nation-Building

This Independence Day, SM and DOLE continue with their shared mission: creating opportunities, developing skills, and helping more Filipinos build better futures. More than matching jobs with talent, the partnership empowers people to support their families, strengthen their communities, and contribute to national progress. Together, SM and DOLE continue to prove that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, opportunities grow, communities thrive, and the nation moves forward.

SM tapped as first mall operator to roll out DOE’s Oras Natin sa Efficiency (O.N.E.) effort

 

SM joined the Department of Energy (DOE) in rolling out O.N.E.: Oras Natin sa Efficiency, a nationwide energy efficiency movement that calls on Filipinos to turn awareness into action through simple, collective energy-saving habits.

Launched through a ceremonial switch-off event at the Mall of Asia Globe, the campaign champions the importance of responsible energy use amid the country’s State of National Energy Emergency, declared under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, which cites geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions as critical threats to national energy security. 

The O.N.E. campaign, anchored on the message “One Hour, One Energy, One Nation,” encourages coordinated energy reduction as a shared national habit. For SM, this means participating in anenergy reduction window where participating properties will switch off non-essential lights and reduce unnecessary energy use. 

During the ceremony, SM expressed its support for DOE’s call for energy responsibility, emphasizing that energy security is a shared concern that affects homes, businesses, communities, and the daily lives of millions of Filipinos.

“At first, one hour may seem small. One switch turned off. One appliance unplugged. One light dimmed. But when many people do it together, across homes, malls, offices, and communities, that one hour becomes something bigger. It becomes a shared habit. It becomes a national effort. It becomes a reminder that each of us has a role to play in protecting our country’s energy future,” said Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations, SM Supermalls. 

SM Supermalls’ sustainability journey

 

SM Supermalls’ quest to create a more sustainable, greener planet began in the 1990s with the installation of a wastewater treatment plant at SM Southmall. The pioneering initiative, which recycles wastewater for irrigation and sanitary systems, laid the foundation for the company’s long-standing drive toward environmental stewardship and resource conservation. 

The man behind the concept was Mr. Hans Sy, the current Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings. Apart from his business acumen, Mr. Sy is regarded within the community as a champion of environmental sustainability, believing that business growth and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand. 

Mr. Sy’s groundbreaking vision has been deeply ingrained in how SM Supermalls are designed and managed. Over the years, the institution has launched industry-first programs that focus on waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and air quality — all of which have helped improve environmental conditions and the quality of life in surrounding communities.

SM Supermalls’ enduring commitment to sustainability was already in motion before the Securities and Exchange Commission’s mandate for publicly listed companies and large non-listed entities to submit sustainability disclosures, effective in fiscal year 2026. 

Its water conservation efforts have recycled approximately 6.6 million cubic meters of wastewater — equivalent to almost 3,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — across its malls annually. In SM Baguio specifically, over 19,000 cubic meters of rainwater have been recycled for kitchen and operational use, benefiting adjacent communities by conserving valuable water. 

Moreover, its Trash To Cash Recycling Market has collected approximately 1.5 million kilograms of recyclables every year, and has continuously encouraged patrons to visit their most-loved SM Supermall to join the movement toward waste segregation. Its energy management initiatives have seamlessly woven form and function into its SkyGardens and open spaces, which provide natural ventilation and have drastically improved air quality for its patrons.

Over the last few years, the mall operator has been leading the charge towards eco-friendly power options. It currently has an estimated 200,000 solar panels on 65 hectares of rooftops across its properties. The vast energy system powers mall operations while reducing the overall carbon footprint. The initiative has equipped SM Supermalls amid pressures to seek alternative energy sources during the energy crisis.

SM Supermalls is continuously expanding its electric-vehicle charging infrastructure to support the shift to sustainable mobility networks. It currently has 160 EV charging stations across its malls, with plans to scale up.

And as it moves forward, SM Supermalls will continue to pioneer innovative solutions that aim to create long-term positive impact for future generations. It will leverage its decades-long pledge to help shape greener, more resilient urban spaces. Sustainability will remain at the core of SM Supermalls’ vision. As it broadens its footprint across the country, so will its commitment to strengthening the well-being of nearby communities.

Successful Job Fair at SM Dasmariñas Builds Momentum for Nationwide ‘Araw ng Kalayaan’ Event

 

SM Supermalls and its valued partners successfully mounted the SM Group Job Fair at SM City Dasmariñas last May 27, bringing together aspiring applicants, employers, and career opportunities under one accessible venue.

The one-day hiring event drew strong participation from jobseekers across Cavite and nearby areas, connecting applicants to career openings from some of the country’s most recognized retail and service brands. Participating employers included Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Savemore, Alfamart, Goldilocks, National University, and many more under the SM Group.

More than 1,000 job seekers attended the event, interviewing with more than 20 companies offering opportunities across retail, operations, merchandising, customer service, finance, marketing, warehouse operations, pharmacy, and management roles. More than 140 were hired on the spot (HOTS) with several hundreds more for follow-up interviews beyond the job fair. This reflects the event’s immediate impact in helping Filipinos move closer to meaningful employment.

Companies also shared how SM job fairs allowed them to more easily connect with talents and fill-up their vacancies. “Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm… andaming tao. Yung mga area na meron akong vacancy dito, around Dasma, Imus, and Bacoor… super happy kasi na filled-in na. So, may mga na hired on the spot kami. Thank you so much SM Dasmariñas. Sana marami pang job fair,” shared Daniela Capistrano, Talent Acquisition Officer from Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc.

Initiatives like the SM Job Fairs help bridge jobseekers to immediate employment opportunities while making the process more accessible and community-based. Meanwhile, DICT highlighted the importance of digital readiness and future-ready learning as part of today’s evolving workforce landscape through their booths.

The initiative was made possible through strong collaboration among SM Supermalls, SM Retail, Jobstreet, PSAC Jobs, PCCI, ECOP, PHILEXPORT, PESO, LGUs, DICT, and other institutional partners committed to supporting employment generation and workforce development.

New Ways to Move, Dress, and Get Started in the Metro at SM Supermalls

 

Real talk: some days you’re always on the go. Other days, you’re just showing up a little better than yesterday.

Either way, it all adds up to your self-love era. Not just about working out, but moving and being how you want, picking up new habits, and finding pieces that fit just YOU everyday. Just around the Metro, SM Supermalls continues to evolve with new finds and experiences that make it easier to get into that rhythm.

From performance gear to ways to get moving and everyday style upgrades, here are your next go-to spots that meet you where you are—right here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls where everything is All For You.

Either way, it all counts. It’s not about being active all the time; it’s about finding your own pace, trying something new when you’re ready, and choosing what feels right for you.

Just around the Metro, SM Supermalls continues to grow with new finds and experiences that make it easier to begin, reset, or simply switch things up–whether that means moving more, dressing with more intention, or taking that first small step.

From performance gear to easy ways to get started, and everyday style upgrades, here are your next go-to spots that meet you where you are—right here at your most-loved mall, SM Supermalls, where everything is All For You. 

5 Reasons Shoppers are Obsessed with the Bulawan Trade Fair at SM Bacolod

 

The Bulawan Trade Fair is officially in full swing at SM City Bacolod, drawing shoppers, creatives, and supporters of local craftsmanship into a vibrant showcase of Negrense artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Following a successful opening day turnout, the three-day fair continues to spotlight proudly local products and meaningful stories from MSMEs across Negros Occidental — proving why this event deserves a spot on everyone’s weekend plans.

Organized in partnership with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the same organization behind the highly successful Negros Trade Fair at SM Aura last year, the Bulawan Trade Fair serves as both a celebration of creativity and a gateway for MSMEs to connect with wider national opportunities through SM Supermalls’ expansive retail network.

1. It’s where Negrense craftsmanship meets modern innovation

2. It’s a major boost for local and next generation Filipino MSMEs

3. It’s where future Negrense brands are discovered

4. Visitors can experience more than just shopping

5. Every purchase supports local communities

By supporting local makers, shoppers become part of a larger movement that helps preserve culture, uplift communities, and strengthen Filipino entrepreneurship. The Bulawan Trade Fair and SIBOL Design Competition at SM City Bacolod continue to celebrate Negrense creativity, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment—while opening doors for local MSMEs to grow from regional artisans into nationally recognized brands.

Government Service Express Expands to SM Center San Pedro

 

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the City Government of San Pedro and key national government agencies, officially inaugurated the Government Service Express (GSE) at SM Center San Pedro on May 25, 2026—further expanding access to essential public services through a convenient, one-stop hub within the mall.

The newly opened GSE marks the 19th Government Service Express in SM malls nationwide, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to transforming malls into community hubs that go beyond retail—spaces where everyday needs, essential services, and meaningful experiences come together.

The opening was attended by SM Supermalls representatives, local government officials, and partner agencies, marking another milestone in strengthening public-private collaboration and improving access to government services for the community. 

Designed as a centralized one-stop hub, the Government Service Express allows customers to complete multiple government transactions more efficiently in one location—supporting workers securing employment requirements, entrepreneurs processing permits and clearances, families managing civil documents, and residents accessing healthcare and social protection services.