From Job Seeker to History Maker: How One Application in Tuguegarao Marked a National Milestone

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

TUGUEGARAO CITY — In the bustling halls of SM City Tuguegarao, a simple decision to show up transformed into a historic moment for the Filipino workforce. As the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) celebrated its 92nd Founding Anniversary, it partnered with SM Supermalls to mark an achievement that goes far beyond statistics: the hiring of the 30,000th applicant on the spot.

This milestone is not just a number; it represents thousands of lives irrevocably changed through a powerful collaboration between the government and the private sector.

A Life Changed in an Instant

The spotlight of the anniversary fell on Ms. Rachelle Navalta, an aspiring job seeker who arrived at the job fair with hope and determination. She left with much more than she expected: a confirmed position as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s and the distinction of being the program’s 30,000th Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS) individual.

Her reaction captured the raw emotion of the event. Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, Navalta 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.” (I can’t believe it… I just tried to apply here at the job fair at SM. I didn’t expect to be hired on the spot.) 

Navalta’s story is the heartbeat of the SM-DOLE partnership—turning the simple act of showing up into a life-altering opportunity. In her joy, she offered a rallying cry for other Filipino job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” (Don’t be afraid to try. We never know what is destined to happen in our lives.) 

By the Numbers: A Nationwide Movement

While Navalta’s story took center stage in Tuguegarao, it is part of a massive, nationwide wave of employment initiatives. Since November 2023, the SM-DOLE Job Fair Program has become a juggernaut for employment.

370+ Job Fairs: Mounted nationwide to bring opportunities closer to communities.

220,000+ Job Seekers: Supported through accessible platforms and guidance.

30,000+ Hired-On-The-Spot: A testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of these events.

This relentless drive reflects a shared mission to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift communities across the Philippines.

More Than a Mall: A Bridge to Dreams

The leadership behind this initiative views these job fairs as vital infrastructure for nation-building. Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls, emphasized that the malls have evolved into conduits for hope.

“Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities,” Tan stated. “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.” 

This sentiment was echoed by Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, who highlighted DOLE's long-standing role in shaping the country's workforce and SM's pride in being a "partner in progress".

Royston A. Cabunag, Assistant Vice President for Job Fairs and MSMEs, noted that malls have transformed into "community spaces" where talents meet companies, streamlining the hiring process so that applicants can often secure positions in a single day.

The Future of the Filipino Workforce

The event in Tuguegarao proved that SM Job Fairs are more than just events—they are gateways to livelihood. Applicants don't just submit resumes; they receive interviews, career guidance, and access to partner agencies all in one location.

As SM Supermalls celebrates 40 years of evolving with its customers, it continues to use its network of 89 malls nationwide to foster inclusive economic growth. Together with DOLE, they are expanding these initiatives to key regions, ensuring that the next Rachelle Navalta is just one job fair away from a life-changing "You're Hired".

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