Empowering Job Seekers and SHS Learners Through Digital Skills
DICT and SM Supermalls Partner to Introduce Digital Corners at SM Job Fairs
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda collaborated with SM Supermalls Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio to formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership establishes digital corners in SM Job Fairs. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment through the Pledge of Commitment Wall, championing real career opportunities that empower young Filipinos to develop future ready digital skills.
What Are Digital Corners?
SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), officially introduced Digital Corners to SM Job Fairs. This innovative initiative launched during the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 event, held at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA.
The Digital Corner offers an innovative learning solution designed as a free, open access upskilling hub within SM job fair venues. Job seekers receive training opportunities in:
• Digital literacy
• Python programming
• Google Career Certificate courses
• Basic networking and coding
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Online entrepreneurship
SM Supermalls Champions Inclusivity and Opportunity
SM Supermalls helps create pathways for every Filipino student to succeed. This commitment to inclusivity drives their mission to bridge employers and job seekers.
"This is the next step in our collective efforts to not only match jobs with job seekers but to equip them with future ready digital skills," said Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations, SM Supermalls. "By housing this initiative in SM malls, we're turning job fairs into job and learning fairs. These are places where opportunity and capability meet."
The Digital Corner expects to benefit thousands of Filipinos annually. Especially graduating SHS students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further training in tech enabled fields will gain valuable skills.
Digital Empowerment Starts With SHS Students
Nearly 1,000 SHS students participated in the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 launch. Parents and teachers from over 40 schools accompanied the students. The event marks the rollout of the Enhanced Work Immersion Pilot (EWIP). This collaboration brings together the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). SM Supermalls serves as a key venue and industry partner, alongside SM Retail.
Transforming High School Work Experience
The EWIP transforms the SHS experience by increasing work immersion hours significantly. Students now engage in 420 to 640 hours of hands on training instead of the previous 80 to 320 hours. Industry partners co develop training plans to align classroom learning with real world skills. These skills are needed in sectors like retail, hospitality, and technology.
At the launch, companies including SM Retail and Newport World Resorts provided students with insights into job expectations and workplace values. Students attended career readiness sessions with experts. They explored opportunities presented by industry and government partners in a special Digital Economy Showcase.
Industry leaders including SM Retail VP for Human Resources Maria Teresa P. Portillo, Newport World Resorts Marketing and Administrative Head Mark Ross Rubio, and DOST ICT Office Deputy Executive Director Beatrice Quimson shared career insights and mentorship during SHS Immersion Talks.
SM Malls: The Future of Opportunity Centers
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls stands as one of Southeast Asia's largest mall developers. They remain a steadfast partner in nation building by opening doors to employment through accessible job fairs in 88 malls nationwide.
For four decades, SM has evolved into much more than just a retail destination. It has become a platform for empowering Filipinos with livelihood opportunities. SM bridges job seekers with employers and uplifts lives through strategic partnerships. These partnerships foster workforce development and inclusive economic growth.
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