SM Investments Corp. is scaling up its Jobs Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.) program by integrating TESDA-accredited skills training into its nationwide job fairs. The expansion reflects a broader corporate commitment to bridging the skills gap and enhancing workforce readiness in the Philippines.
Launched in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the enhanced program combines employment access with upskilling, aligning with national goals for inclusive and sustainable workforce development.
“Through our partnership with TESDA, we aim to expand opportunities that combine access to jobs and skills development,” said SM Investments president and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio, underscoring the company’s role in inclusive economic growth.
TESDA deputy director Nelly Dillera noted the partnership’s impact on community-level employment strategies. “We are creating a more responsive and inclusive pathway to sustainable livelihoods—right where communities live, shop and gather,” she said.
The program’s corporate and commercial relevance is evident in its alignment with key industry sectors. SM has launched sector-specific initiatives in logistics, retail, and healthcare—partnering with the Department of Health and collaborating with groups like the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) to widen recruitment channels.
Since its launch in 2024, the J.O.B.S. program has held over 300 job fairs, serving more than 180,000 job seekers, with over 24,000 hired on the spot—demonstrating its effectiveness in matching talent with industry demand.