SM Supermalls, the largest chain of shopping malls in the Philippines, has also emerged as one of the largest job generators, a reflection of its dedication to reducing unemployment in the country.
The chain has over 7,000 employed for administrative and operational roles in its 89 shopping centers spread across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Thousands more are employed in its partner-agencies for security, housekeeping, transportation, and construction and property development, among others.
As part of its commitment, SM Supermalls employs residents from cities and provinces, or nearby localities, where its mall is located, its press release said Sept. 13.
Other initiatives of the SM Group have contributed to the job generation priority of the national government. Through its extensive network of malls, regular job fairs are initiated or held, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Public Employment Services Office.
In Bacolod City, six job fairs have been conducted this year, including significant dates, like May 1 or Labor Day, and June 12 Independence Day. These partnerships have brought together over 100 companies, 20,000 job vacancies, and attracted a total of 15,000 jobseekers.
The mall’s convenient location in the Reclamation Area makes it easy for jobseekers to access, and provides a comfortable experience for all in navigating through the different work opportunities in sought-after sectors, like retail, food and beverage, IT, BPO, and services, the press release said.
During the Labor Day event, DOLE Region 6 director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. thanked the mall for its partnership, noting “SM’s laudable efforts in helping DOLE promote such employment opportunities.”
On-the-spot job offers also bring in a significant number of newly-employed individuals, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives in connecting individuals with immediate employment opportunities.
Beyond job fairs, SM Supermalls’ deep commitment to nation-building is reflected in its aim to eliminating unemployment gap and supporting the growth of key industries. Helping these sectors match with jobseekers helps with the growth of the country’s economy, the press release added. ||
