SM Supermalls and DICT launched Digital Corners in SM Job Fairs

The Skydome at SM City North EDSA buzzed with energy as a thousand of Senior High School Students took their first step from classroom to career during the launch of the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS students, a program bridging education and employment opportunities for young learners

SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has officially introduced Digital Corners to SM Job Fairs—an initiative launched during the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 held at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda and SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio formalize their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish digital corners in SM Job Fairs. The two leaders also reaffirm their shared commitment through the Pledge of Commitment Wall, championing real-world opportunities that empower young Filipinos to develop future-ready digital skills.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda and SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio formalize their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish digital corners in SM Job Fairs. The two leaders also reaffirm their shared commitment through the Pledge of Commitment Wall, championing real-world opportunities that empower young Filipinos to develop future-ready digital skills.

An innovative learning solution, the Digital Corner is designed as a free, open-access upskilling hub within SM job fair venues. It offers job seekers training opportunities on digital literacy, Python programming, Google Career Certificate courses, basic networking, coding, cybersecurity, and online entrepreneurship.

SM Supermalls champions inclusivity and opportunity, helping create pathways for every Filipino student to succeed.

SM Supermalls champions inclusivity and opportunity, helping create pathways for every Filipino student to succeed.

SM Supermalls champions inclusivity and opportunity, helping create pathways for every Filipino student to succeed.

“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. By housing this initiative in SM malls, we’re turning job fairs into job-and-learning fairs—places where opportunity and capability meet.” ~Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations, SM Supermalls

The Digital Corner is expected to benefit thousands of Filipinos annually, especially graduating SHS students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue further training in tech-enabled fields.

DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT STARTS WITH SHS STUDENTS

Nearly 1,000 SHS students, accompanied by parents and teachers from over 40 schools, participated in the J.O.B.S. Immersion for SHS 2025 launch. The event marks the rollout of the Enhanced Work Immersion Pilot (EWIP), a collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), with SM Supermalls serving as a key venue and industry partner, alongside SM Retail.

Interactive booths from DICT and private partners let students explore future career paths and digital upskilling opportunities

Interactive booths from DICT and private partners let students explore future career paths and digital upskilling opportunities

Interactive booths from DICT and private partners let students explore future career paths and digital upskilling opportunities

The EWIP is transforming the SHS experience by increasing work immersion hours from the current 80–320 hours to 420–640 hours. This expanded, hands-on training is backed by industry partners who co-develop training plans to align classroom learning with real-world skills in sectors like retail, hospitality, and technology.

Industry leaders from SM Retail VP for Human Resources Ms. Maria Teresa P. Portillo, Newport World Resorts Marketing and Administrative Head Mr. Mark Ross Rubio and Department of Science and Technology- Information and Communications Office (DOST-ICT Office) Deputy Executive Director Ms. Beatrice Quimson share career insights and mentorship during the SHS Immersion Talks.

At the launch, companies including SM Retail and Newport World Resorts provided students with insights into job expectations and workplace values. Throughout the day, students also attended career readiness sessions with experts and explored opportunities presented by industry and government partners in a special Digital Economy Showcase.

SM MALLS: THE FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY CENTERS

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—remains a steadfast partner in nation-building by opening doors to employment through accessible job fairs in its 88 malls nationwide. For four decades, SM has evolved into more than just a retail destination—it has become a platform for empowering Filipinos with livelihood opportunities, bridging job seekers with employers, and uplifting lives through strategic partnerships that foster workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

BPI partners with DICT and USAID-BEACON for Cybersecurity Training of Government Employees

The first batch of graduates from the cybersecurity certification training, made possible through the collaboration of DICT, USAID-BEACON, and BPI.

In a groundbreaking public-private partnership, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and USAID’s Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) project, has launched an extensive Cybersecurity Training and Certification Program.

As part of this initiative, BPI sponsored a five-day CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) cybersecurity certification training for 17 employees from various government agencies.

Jonathan John Paz, BPI Enterprise Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer, welcomes government employees to the cybersecurity certification training. 

BPI is the first private institution to partner with DICT and USAID-BEACON to host a full-scale, in-person cybersecurity certification, reinforcing its position as a leader in cybersecurity and an advocate for nation-building through technology and digital resilience. The program aligns with the government’s National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 to increase the number of certified cybersecurity professionals among government employees.

Photo (L-R): Jimmicio Daoaten, DICT Bureau Director and Pierre Tito Galla, USAID-BEACON Project Head.

Supporting Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

The initiative also supports the Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) 2024, championing DICT’s theme of “Cyber Tiwala, Cyber Handa, Cyber Tatag” – a theme that emphasizes the urgent need for partnerships across sectors to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks.

“Through collaborations like this, we aim to create a secure and thriving future for the Philippines. We thank the DICT and USAID-BEACON for being our allies in advancing cybersecurity initiatives that will benefit the entire nation.” ~Jonathan John Paz, BPI Enterprise Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer

BPI continues to lead the charge in cybersecurity efforts, working alongside the government and organizations to build a safer and more secure digital landscape for all Filipinos.