21/07/2026
SM Job Fair Opens New Opportunities by Equipping Baguio Jobseekers with Future Ready Digital Skills
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — In today's rapidly changing job market, finding employment is only one part of the journey. Staying competitive now requires continuous learning, digital adaptability, and the confidence to navigate an increasingly technology driven world.
Recognizing this reality, SM Supermalls, through its SM Job Fair, joined forces with the Department of Information and Communications Technology Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT CAR), through the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB), to provide a free Digital Information Session for jobseekers and fresh graduates at SM City Baguio.
The initiative gathered aspiring professionals from across the region who were eager to strengthen their digital competencies and better prepare themselves for the demands of today's workforce.
Throughout the session, participants explored practical topics including digital literacy and career preparation, information literacy and the eGovPH App, and cybersecurity and cyber hygiene. More than introducing digital tools, the discussions encouraged responsible technology use while helping attendees develop the confidence and awareness needed to thrive in an increasingly connected workplace.
The program reflects how SM Job Fair has grown beyond its traditional role as a recruitment platform. While connecting jobseekers with employers remains at its core, the initiative now places equal importance on equipping Filipinos with skills that support lifelong learning and long term career growth in the digital economy.
"Through our partnership with DICT CAR, particularly the Information and Communications Technology Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, you will gain practical knowledge on digital literacy, the eGovPH App, and cybersecurity. These are skills that continue to grow in importance as our workplaces become more digitally driven," said Jason Peña, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Baguio.
The success of the information session was made possible through the collaboration between SM Supermalls and DICT CAR under the leadership of Engr. Joe Fernando Bucato, Chief of Technical Operations. Through the ILCDB, the agency continues to expand access to digital education and workforce readiness programs, bringing meaningful learning opportunities closer to communities throughout the Cordillera region.
Participants actively engaged with DICT CAR resource speakers, explored digital platforms designed to make everyday transactions easier, and learned practical strategies for protecting themselves in the online space. For many, the session not only expanded their knowledge but also reinforced the importance of continuously upgrading their skills in an increasingly digital society.
Among them was Laarni Azarcon, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
"Thank you to DICT and SM City Baguio for this initiative because it helped us build and enhance our digital skills and literacy. It also taught us how to utilize technology safely and responsibly."
For Olive Montes, the lessons carried a deeply personal significance after previously falling victim to an online scam.
"Gusto ko pong maging aware sa cybersecurity at cyber hygiene, especially since may experience na po akong na scam. I wanted to be more aware of that, and I know these lessons will also help me in my future job applications."
Meanwhile, Emil Diego, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication graduate from Benguet State University, discovered how digital government services can make everyday transactions more accessible.
"Ang laking tulong ng ganitong activity para maging aware ako sa mga ganitong serbisyo. Meron palang eGovPH app na pwedeng makatulong sa amin at mas mapadali ang transactions with government offices."
Beyond the lessons shared inside the venue, the initiative underscored a broader vision shared by SM Supermalls and DICT CAR: creating more opportunities for Filipinos to build the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital future.
As technology continues to reshape industries and redefine careers, partnerships like these ensure that learning remains accessible, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce. By combining employment opportunities with practical digital education, SM Job Fair continues to empower individuals not only to secure jobs but also to build careers equipped for the future.
With its partnership with DICT CAR continuing to grow, SM Supermalls looks forward to bringing more free digital upskilling initiatives to communities across the country, helping more Filipinos learn, adapt, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
And with 90 malls across the Philippines and nine in China, SM Supermalls continues to build destinations that remain relevant, inclusive, and responsive to generations of shoppers, families, entrepreneurs, and communities under its promise of All For You.
SM Supermalls continues to make employment opportunities more accessible by bringing job fairs closer to Filipino communities nationwide. Designed to serve fresh graduates, career shifters, and experienced professionals alike, SM Job Fairs connect jobseekers with employers while fostering workforce development through meaningful partnerships. By integrating career readiness programs and free upskilling initiatives, SM continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering Filipinos and supporting inclusive economic growth.