After being rescheduled to August 17–18 due to inclement weather in Metro Manila, the PMAP Mega Job Fair 2026, held in collaboration with SM Job Fair, pushed through at the SM City North EDSA Skydome—connecting jobseekers with employers, career coaches, upskilling opportunities, and employment support services under one roof. The two-day event brought together around 30 employers and hundreds of jobseekers, with several applicants hired on the spot (HOTS).

Held in celebration of the People Management Association of the Philippines' (PMAP) 70th Anniversary, the career fair carried the theme “HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World,” putting the spotlight not only on getting Filipinos hired, but also on helping them become better prepared for the changing world of work.

For Ghie Lara, Chairperson of PMAP's Employability Committee, the event represented a broader approach to helping Filipinos build sustainable careers. “What we have here is not just a job fair but an employability ecosystem which includes our employer partners. This year, we also have the upskilling zone and the career-coaching zone where volunteers can give guidance to our jobseekers. We are here not only to employ but also to upskill.”

That approach complements the continuing evolution of SM Job Fair—bringing employment opportunities closer to communities while creating pathways for jobseekers to develop the skills and confidence they need to compete in today's workplace.

For the jobseekers who came despite the weather, the experience was far more personal. Richmond Carl Bello arrived determined to find work and left hired on the spot as Administrative Staff at Readyman.

“Pumunta po ako ngayon kasi kailangan po talaga ng work. Umulan man o bumagyo, kailangan ng trabaho.”

For Sweet Ehricka Toledo, who was hired on the spot as a Cashier at SM Hypermarket, having the job fair inside the mall made pursuing an opportunity easier despite the conditions outside.

“Hindi ako mapipigilan ng ulan sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Buti po dito sa SM ang job fair, secured po mula sa panahon at maayos ang lugar.”

Their stories underscore why bringing job fairs into accessible community spaces matters: when opportunities are closer and easier to reach, more Filipinos have the chance to pursue them.

The benefits extend to employers looking for skilled people. Jhane Unciano, Administrative Manager of Dewan Architects and Engineers, said the event helped the company build its talent pool as it expands its presence in the Philippines. “We are also trying to promote our company's needs for Architects and Engineers... and we think this partnership with PMAP and SM is helping us tremendously with this.”

Joaquin Feliciano, University Relations Partner and Talent Sourcer at Meralco, likewise noted the turnout despite the weather, citing the collaboration among Quezon City LGU, PMAP and SM as a strength of the event. By bringing employers and jobseekers into the same accessible venue, SM Job Fair helps shorten the distance between available talent and available opportunities.

Jobseekers were also able to access digital government assistance through eGovPH, helping facilitate requirements such as TIN, Pag-IBIG, and SSS.

Pauline Faye Agtarap, Project Development Officer II of DICT, said the service helps reduce the steps jobseekers need to take as they prepare for employment. “Happy po ako kasi natutulungan natin ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho, bawas po sa pag-asikaso nila. It's a great opportunity to have SM as a partner in promoting the programs of DICT in helping Filipino jobseekers.”

This reflects the broader direction of SM Job Fair: making the journey to employment more convenient—not only by bringing jobs closer, but by connecting Filipinos with skills development and essential support services along the way.

The PMAP Mega Job Fair is part of SM Supermalls' continuing nationwide employment advocacy, bringing together employers, government and industry partners to make career opportunities more accessible to different communities. From a jobseeker braving bad weather for an interview to an applicant walking out with a new job, the impact ultimately comes down to individual lives moving forward.

Because sometimes, the distance between looking for an opportunity and finding one can be as simple as having the right people, support, and opportunities within reach.

Following the successful PMAP Mega Job Fair, SM Job Fair continues to bring employment opportunities closer to communities through a nationwide lineup of hiring events:

•August 25 – SM City Davao I SM City Tuguegarao

•August 26 – SM City Fairview I SM City Cabanatuan

•August 27 – SM City Pampanga I SM City Bacoor I SM City Trece Martires I SM Center Muntinlupa

•August 29 – SM City Baguio

•August 31 - SM Center San Pedro

•September 1 – SM City Sto. Tomas

•September 3 – SM City Manila

•September 4 – SM City Sta. Mesa

•September 7–8 – SM City Butuan

•September 8–9 – SM City Iloilo I SM City Davao

•September 9 – SM City Baguio

•September 9–10 – SM City Cebu I SM CDO Downtown Premier

•September 10 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Tuguegarao I SM City North EDSA I SM City Zamboanga

•September 12 – SM City La Union I SM City San Pablo

•September 14 – SM CDO Downtown Premier

•September 16–17 – SM Seaside City Cebu

•September 24 – SM City Trece Martires I SM City Calamba

•September 29 – SM City Bacoor

Each event provides jobseekers with direct access to employers from various industries, allowing them to explore career opportunities, submit applications, and participate in on-the-spot interviews—all in one convenient and accessible location.