SM Job Fair Empowers Filipinos this August with Nationwide Hiring, FREE Upskilling, and One-Stop Government Services

PASAY CITY, Philippines – As the world of work continues to evolve, finding employment is no longer the only goal—staying competitive means continuously learning new skills and having easier access to services that support one's career journey. This August, SM Supermalls continues to create more opportunities for Filipinos through its nationwide SM Job Fair program, bringing together employment opportunities, free upskilling initiatives, and convenient access to government services that help jobseekers prepare for the future of work. More than a hiring event, SM Job Fair has evolved into a platform that empowers Filipinos by connecting them not only to employers, but also to learning opportunities and essential government services—all designed to support every stage of their employment journey.

PMAP Mega Job Fair headlines August lineup

Leading this month's activities is the PMAP Mega Job Fair, happening on August 10–11 at the SM City North EDSA Skydome in partnership with the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Held in celebration of PMAP's 70th Anniversary, this year's event carries the theme "HumanITy Forward 2026: Empowering Talent in a Digital World," bringing together top employers, HR professionals, graduating students, alumni, fresh graduates, career shifters, and jobseekers under one roof. The event builds on the Memorandum of Understanding between SM Supermalls and PMAP, reflecting their shared commitment to developing a future-ready Filipino workforce through employment, career development, and continuous learning.

Reputable and prestigious employers from PMAP's network like BDO and Coca-Cola, open doors to jobseekers during the two-day career event at SM City North EDSA last year.

SM Retail Job Fair offers careers within the SM Group

Jobseekers can also explore exciting opportunities at the SM Group Job Fair on August 18 at the Mall Atrium of SM City Fairview. In partnership with SM Retail, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Quezon City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), PSAC Jobs, PCCI, ECOP, and PHILEXPORT, the one-day hiring event offers applicants the opportunity to pursue careers across the country's largest retail network—from department stores and supermarkets to fashion, home, and specialty retail brands. Applicants will have the chance to meet recruiters, submit applications, and participate in on-the-spot interviews.

Thousands of jobseekers filled SM City Fairview during a previous SM Group Job Fair, where applicants explored career opportunities and connected with recruiters under one roof. This year's SM Retail Job Fair continues SM Supermalls' commitment to bringing employment opportunities closer to communities.

More job opportunities across the country

SM Supermalls continues to bring career opportunities closer to communities through its nationwide Job Fair program in partnership with DOLE and local PESO. Upcoming August Job Fair schedules include:

August 10–11 –SM City North EDSA Skydome

August 12 – SM City Daet

August 13 – SM City Trece Martires

August 13 – SM City Tuguegarao

August 18 – SM City Fairview 

August 22 – SM Seaside City Cebu

August 24 – SM Mall of Asia

August 25 – SM City Davao

August 27 – SM City Trece Martires

Each event provides jobseekers with direct access to employers from various industries while allowing them to explore multiple career opportunities in one convenient location.

Upcoming free upskilling sessions include:

August 1 - SM City North EDSA

August 1 - SM Mall of Asia

August 8 - SM City North EDSA

August 8 - SM Mall of Asia

August 15 - SM City North EDSA

August 22 - SM City North EDSA

August 22 - SM Mall of Asia

August 29 - SM City North EDSA

Schedules and participating malls may change without prior notice. For updates and the latest list of participating malls, scan the QR Code, visit SM Supermalls Job Fair Page and follow SM Supermalls’ official social media pages.

Who says learning can't be fun? Participants enjoyed hands-on activities in AI-powered design, robotics, and cybersecurity during DICT's free digital upskilling session at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM North EDSA, helping build future-ready skills through the SM Job Fair initiative.

AI and Canva Training Participants explore Canva's AI-powered design tools during DICT's free digital skills training at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM North EDSA, equipping learners with practical creative and workplace-ready digital skills.

While many upskilling sessions are conducted in activity areas and learning venues across SM malls, selected SM Government Service Express (GSE) locations are also being activated as Upskilling Hubs, allowing communities to access free learning opportunities within these dedicated spaces.

A one-stop hub for jobseekers

To make the employment journey even more convenient, many SM Job Fairs are complemented by the SM Government Service Express (GSE), available in select SM malls nationwide. Serving as a one-stop hub for government services, GSE enables jobseekers to conveniently process employment-related requirements and access essential services from partner government agencies—all within the convenience of an SM mall.

Participants discover the power of artificial intelligence through the AI for ALL learning session at the SM Government Service Express (GSE) in SM City Manila. Through the SM Job Fair initiative and partnerships with APC and IBM SkillsBuild, SM Supermalls continues to make future-ready AI and digital skills more accessible to students, jobseekers, and professionals.

By integrating employment opportunities, government services, and free learning initiatives, SM continues to simplify the journey from job application to career development.  "At SM, we believe creating opportunities means supporting Filipinos beyond the hiring process," said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls. "Through our nationwide SM Job Fairs, free upskilling initiatives, and the SM Government Service Express, we're making it easier for communities to find jobs, develop future-ready skills, and conveniently access essential government services closer to home."

Creating more pathways to opportunity

Through the combined strengths of SM Job Fair, SM Government Service Express, and its growing network of free upskilling initiatives, SM Supermalls continues to create meaningful opportunities that help Filipinos succeed in an increasingly competitive and digital world. Whether starting a first job, exploring a new career, or learning new skills for the future, SM remains committed to building accessible platforms where communities can work, learn, and grow. To learn more about upcoming SM Job Fairs, free upskilling sessions, and SM Government Service Express locations, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook.

A Partnership that Connects Dreams with Possibilities

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan described the significance of the partnership in opening real pathways to livelihood and growth: “Our partnership through the SM–DOLE Job Fairs has become more than just a program. It’s a bridge — connecting dreams with possibilities. 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. Congratulations, DOLE! Thank you for being our partner in progress, our partner in nation-building.”

On-the-spot hiring – happy jobseekers walk away with job offers in hand, proving that SM Job Fairs are more than events — they’re gateways to livelihood.

SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed this message, underscoring DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the country’s workforce. “For many years, DOLE has been at the heart of nation-building — helping Filipinos find sustainable and meaningful work. And we at SM Supermalls are truly proud to be your partner in this mission.” He further added: “Thank you, DOLE, for your leadership and partnership in empowering the Filipino workforce. Together, we will continue to open doors that lead to growth, dignity, and hope for every Filipino.”

SM Supermalls Assistant Vice Present for Job Fairs and MSMEs Royston A. Cabunag said malls have evolved into community spaces where lives change through the SM–DOLE partnership, bringing companies and talents together through accessible, community-driven initiatives. He affirmed SM’s continued commitment to making every job fair a gateway to a better life, supporting DOLE’s long-standing role in shaping the nation’s workforce.

Face-to-face with opportunity as job seekers confidently take part in interviews with top employers at the SM Job Fair.

Together, SM and DOLE continue to expand job fair initiatives in key regions, hosting regular events that streamline hiring, empower job seekers, and uplift Filipino families. By transforming malls into opportunity centers where applicants can meet employers, receive guidance, and often secure positions in a single day, the partnership strengthens local communities and supports inclusive economic growth.

SM Supermalls Celebrates DOLE’s 92nd Anniversary and Marks 30,000th Hired-On-The-Spot Milestone

Tuguegarao City, Philippines — December 10, 2025. SM Supermalls, in strong partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), commemorates the agency’s 92nd Founding Anniversary with a landmark achievement: celebrating the 30,000th hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) during a job fair at SM City Tuguegarao.

SM Supermalls and DOLE marked a major milestone as the SM–DOLE Job Fair program celebrated its 30,000th hired-on-the-spot at SM City Tuguegarao, symbolizing thousands of lives changed through accessible employment opportunities and meaningful partnerships with industry employers.

A Life-Changing Moment in Tuguegarao

The 30,000th HOTS, Ms. Rachelle Navalta, was hired on the spot as a Service Crew member at McDonald’s during the anniversary job fair. Overwhelmed by the news, she 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.” She also encouraged other job seekers: “Wag po kayong matakot mag-try. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang nakatakdang mangyari sa ating buhay.” Her story embodies the heart of the SM–DOLE partnership: turning a simple decision to show up into opportunities that change lives.

The milestone highlights the continued success of the SM–DOLE Job Fair Program, which has mounted over 370 job fairs nationwide since November 2023, supporting more than 220,000 job seekers and resulting in over 30,000 HOTS to date. This collaborative effort reflects the shared mission of SM Supermalls and DOLE to widen access to meaningful employment and uplift Filipino communities.

SM Supermalls Supports First-Ever TESDA Jobs and Skills Matching Fair

In collaboration with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Muntinlupa, the Muntinlupa Local Government Unit (LGU), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), SM Center Muntinlupa will host the pilot run of the Jobs and Skills Matching Fair on June 19, 2025. This one-day event offers jobseekers—particularly those interested in the IT- Business Process Management (BPM) industry—a streamlined path from employment screening to skills training and re-employment.

A job seeker reviews a list of job vacancies while a uniformed professional helps them with information at the SM Job Fair.

The fair begins with an on-site job matching session, where walk-in and registered applicants can undergo interviews with participating companies. Qualified candidates may be hired on the spot, while “near-hires” will be referred to the Skills Hub for personalized consultations facilitated by DTI-PTTC.

Applicants can meet future employers at the first-ever Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Jobs and Skills Matching Fair in SM Center Muntinlupa on June 19.

At the Skills Hub, jobseekers will undergo a one-on-one evaluation using the Philippine Skills Framework (PSF). This identifies any skills gaps and recommends tailored training programs and career pathways. TESDA will then match these near-hires with accredited training institutions and available scholarship opportunities.

After completing their upskilling journey, participants will be reconnected with partner employers—ensuring a full-circle career pipeline from application to employment readiness.

While this launch is a low-key pilot, it signifies a major step forward in creating more responsive, skills-based employment solutions. 

The Jobs and Skills Matching Fair represents a next-gen approach to job fairs—one that goes beyond resumes and job vacancies to focus on real-time skills-building and industry needs.

SM Job Fairs open real employment opportunities, with jobseekers like this landing roles on the spot.

Join the movement. Start something life-changing.

This isn’t just another job fair—it’s a one-stop opportunity hub. Aside from hundreds of job openings and on-the-spot hiring, attendees can access skills training, career guidance, and essential government services such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)—all in one convenient, accessible, and air-conditioned SM mall.

From interview to hired—SM Supermalls empowers jobseekers to land their dream roles.

So, update that resume, bring extra copies, dress to impress, and show up as your most professional self. Your next big opportunity starts here.

For full schedules and updates, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or visit www.smsupermalls.com.

SM CITY GRAND CENTRAL TO BOLSTER WORKFORCE WITH JOB FAIR

SM City Grand Central’s recent Job Fair attracted a significant turnout, with hundreds of eager job seekers flocking to the mall's activity hall.

Organized in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Group, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), SM Retail, and the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the event served as a platform to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, aligning with the government's efforts to address unemployment.

With the aim of providing valuable employment opportunities for job seekers, a total of 119 applicants were Hired-On-The-Spot. The Job Fair also showcased the diverse range of career opportunities available, with 22 participating companies offering a combined total of 1,574 job listings. Notable industry players such as SM Retail, SM Store, and SM Supermalls were joined by a host of other esteemed companies, including SM Retail Affiliates like Ace Hardware, Uniqlo, Pet Express, SM Appliance, Our Home, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, and The Body Shop, among others. SM Markets also adds to the lineup, introducing SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart to the mix.

The Job Fair underscores SM Supermalls' commitment to supporting the government's efforts to address unemployment and foster economic growth. Since 2008, SM Supermalls has been a key partner of DOLE in organizing job fairs aimed at bridging the gap between job seekers and potential employers while striving to mitigate unemployment challenges.

SM Supermalls Job Fair Paves the Way for 2024 Career Opportunities

SM Supermalls, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Local Government Units (LGUs), the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Jobs Group, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and SM Retail are set to host job fairs on January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. 

CAPTION: Embark on a journey to career success with SM Supermalls Job Fair! Save the dates: January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. Your next career move awaits at SM!

This initiative aims to provide valuable employment opportunities for job seekers, aligning with the government's efforts to address unemployment. This also aims to contribute to economic activity by increasing the workforce in companies.

Aspiring candidates have the opportunity to also find their place at SM, the proud partner for the February 16 Job Fair at SM City Grand Central and the March 1 Job Fair at SM City North EDSA. This collaboration includes well-known companies such as SM Retail, SM Store, SM Supermalls, and various other SM Retail Affiliates, featuring Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Crocs, Dyson, Forever 21, Kultura, Miniso, Our Home, SM Appliance Center, SM Fashion, SM Home, Sports Central, Stationery, Surplus, The Body Shop, Toy Kingdom, Pet Express, Snack Exchange, and Uniqlo. SM Markets adds to the lineup, introducing SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Savemore Markets, Alfamart, and Waltermart to the mix.

CAPTION: Embark on a journey to career success with SM Supermalls Job Fair! Save the dates: January 25 at SM City San Lazaro, February 16 at SM City Grand Central, and March 1 at SM City North EDSA. Your next career move awaits at SM!

These job fairs extend an invitation to all job seekers, including recent graduates, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and individuals seeking new career paths. 

During these events, attendees have the chance to submit their resumes and engage in preliminary interviews with participating companies. Some organizations may even present on-the-spot job offers, granting qualified applicants with immediate access to employment opportunities.

Since 2008, SM Supermalls has collaborated with DOLE, co-hosting job fairs that aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and prospective employers.

“In 2024, our commitment to fostering employment opportunities across the nation is stronger than ever. It's not merely about jobs; it's about empowerment, growth, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can build a workforce that transforms challenges into opportunities,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan.

To know more about the SM Supermalls’ Job Fairs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

PCPPI Champions Quality Excellence Culture

Quality assurance and food safety are at the core of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.’s (PCPPI) operations. The organization recently reinforced their commitment to uphold excellence in line with PCPPI and PepsiCo’s observance of World Quality Month this November.

“Customer satisfaction drives our commitment to excellence at PCPPI. We encourage employees to perform beyond expectations in line with our vision to be the country’s leading beverage company,” said PCCPI president and CEO Frederick D. Ong.

Compliance to stringent safety regulations ensures quality at PCPPI. All facilities received the Safety Seal Certification from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), certifying all plants and offices practice public health standards and occupational safety and health standards set by the government. PCPPI was also recognized for its compliance and enforcement efforts of COVID-19 health standards.

Accreditation and Certification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is among the various organizations conducting regular audits on PCPPI’s facilities. Aside from ensuring compliance to food safety regulations, the FDA reviews PCPPI’s implementation of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and compliance to the provisions of the facilities’ Licenses to Operate.

Currently, six of PCPPI plants have retained their Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) V5.1 through a comprehensive audit by reputable testing, inspection and certification authority SGS in early 2022. PCPPI’s plant in San Fernando, Pampanga also completed the first McDonald’s Social Welfare Accountability (SWA) and Supplier Quality Management System Audit (SQMS).

Quality and Food Safety Training
At PCPPI, development programs are in place to support ongoing learning for employees and business partners. Since 2015, over 1,800 employees and partners have enrolled in Level 1 Capability Building Program courses to broaden their understanding about quality assurance and food safety. Courses include Food Fraud Mitigation, Vulnerability Risk Assessment, and Statistical Process Control.

PCPPI’s pool of PepsiCo-certified site expert trainers have also conducted nearly 5,000 training hours. Certified training leaders have also completed courses focused on improving product quality and productivity.

Fostering Values through Engagement
Among PCPPI’s initiatives to further enhance the company-wide commitment to excellence are regular communication on policy updates, as well as best practice sharing across teams. Employees also undergo refresher courses on managing customer feedback in compliance with national regulations.

The organization’s focus on ensuring product and service quality goes beyond mere process. PCPPI upholds excellence as one of its core values. “Excellence is a shared responsibility. By holding ourselves accountable to our standards, we aim to continuously inspire our employees to remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the best value to all our stakeholders,” added Ong.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country. It sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Milkis, Aquafina, and Premier.

PCPPI wins Corporate Excellence Award at Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

President and CEO Frederick D. Ong honored with Master Entrepreneur Award

-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) wins at APEA 2022. The photo shows PCPPI president and chief executive officer Frederick D. Ong proudly showing the company’s Corporate Excellence Award and his Master Entrepreneur Award from the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2022. The annual recognition program honors the region’s best in business performance towards sustainable growth.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country, was presented the Corporate Excellence Award at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2022 for achieving operational and entrepreneurial excellence. Held last October 20, 2022 in Penang, Malaysia, the APEA ceremony also honored PCPPI President and Chief Executive Officer Frederick D. Ong with the Master Entrepreneur Award. This honor highlights industry trailblazers whose strong entrepreneurial characters inspire up-and-coming leaders.

Since joining PCPPI in 2020, Ong has led the organization in embracing digitization and organizational transformation. He was instrumental in driving the renewal of PCPPI’s go-to-market strategy and the strengthening of its distribution network and expansion of PCPPI’s product portfolio.

PCPPI has also demonstrated its resilience and agility in the face of adversity. Even at the height of the global pandemic, PCPPI remained true to its sustainability commitment with clear focus on developing talent, ensuring profitability, and being responsible stewards of the environment. The organization continued to drive operational efficiencies while ensuring employee well-being. PCPPI also supports health and safety initiatives in the local communities where it operates.

Ong attributed PCPPI’s success to the organization’s initiatives to uphold the ICARE (Integrity and Innovation, Care and Respect, and Excellence and Empowerment) values in how it conducts business and the manner in which employees interact and collaborate.

“Despite recent challenges, PCPPI‘s commitment to our values and our vision remains strong,” said Ong. “We extend our appreciation to the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards for recognizing our contributions to the country’s sustainable growth. These awards motivate us at PCPPI to continue driving business growth without compromise to our commitments to our stakeholders,” he added.

APEA is a regional recognition program spearheaded by non-government organization Enterprise Asia. The annual awards honor organizations and leaders that demonstrate remarkable performance and leadership while remaining true to their social responsibilities.

Aside from the most recent accolades from APEA, Ong was recently named among the Top 50 Rising Tigers in the Asia Pacific by the Asia Leaders Awards. PCPPI has also received the 2022 Golden Globe Tigers Awards for Best Change Management Initiative (for Project SWIFT) and Excellence in the Production of Learning Content
(for the GREAT Playbook, PCPPI’s guide to the new normal).

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of well-known beverage brands in the Philippines: Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, Premier, Milkis, and Aquafina.

McDonald’s Leads Industry in Equal and Responsible Employment; Commits to Hire more Elderly and PWDs starting with City of Manila

MANILA CITY, Philippines— quick service restaurant giant, Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines) strengthens its commitment in being a responsible employer as the company signs an agreement with Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno of the Manila City government to employ eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in at least 40 of its stores in Manila.

Recognizing the potential of every Filipino to contribute, and be productive members of society, McDonald’s Philippines will soon be hiring at least 80 senior citizens and 40 persons with disability across the company’s stores in the country’s capital.

“McDonald’s Philippines has been a responsible employer since we opened our first store here in Manila in 1981. We usher our 38th founding anniversary this September, by inking this partnership with the City of Manila as we commit to provide more employment opportunities which aim to integrate senior citizens and hearing-impaired Manileños into the workforce,” says Kenneth Yang, President and CEO of McDonald’s Philippines.

Reinforcing responsible and equal employment

The partnership between McDonald’s and the Manila city government will provide senior citizens and PWDs the opportunity to earn and at the same time to learn and develop new skills as they experience the same world class training which the company has provided its directly hired employees.

Qualified applicants will undergo a training program approved by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Manila, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Hired senior citizens and PWDs will be assigned to perform tasks complementing those of existing crew members which includes being an order presenter, drink drawer, table manager and overall guest relations.

Under the agreement, senior citizens will be assigned work for not more than four hours per day for five days a week, with shifts set at 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, PWDs will perform work in shifts also applied to regular crew members, but not to exceed eight hours a day.

“We are excited to have more senior citizens and PWDs assist in serving our customers. We currently have over 30 employed in different restaurants in the country. We have seen their potential, capabilities and commitment in providing great customer service. As we welcome our Manileño senior citizens and PWDs, we look forward to grow the alternative workforce and roll it out to more cities,” Yang added.

Championing growth and development of Filipinos

The company has championed fair and equal employment and have allowed growth and development opportunities for Filipinos since its establishment in the Philippines in 1981, starting with its direct hiring policy or the non-practice of contractualization for all its restaurant employees.

McDonald’s Philippines then set is sights to forge stronger partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment and PESO for “Special Program for Employment of Students” or “SPES” and have had over 800 students and out-of-school youth benefit from the program; 250 of which were absorbed and became regular McDonald’s employees.

The company is also supportive of the “Work Immersion Program,” in partnership with private and public Senior High Schools (SHS), where SHS students are able to immerse themselves in McDonald’s stores and head office to learn more about restaurant operations and gain firsthand experience and knowledge in the industry. Since starting the program in the city of Manila, over 160 Senior High Students have learned and gained experience in the field of food and beverage.

“The success of our people is our success. We are committed in their training and development to ensure their growth in the company and as individuals.” Yang closes.

Today, 50% of the management team of McDonald’s Philippines started as crew members, reinforcing that more than employment, the company provides growth opportunities to its employees.

Innovative Startup Act to provide Incentives for Startups and Enablers

MAKATI – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is one of the lead agencies in implementing the recently signed Republic Act 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act. The new law will help startups and startup enablers by providing incentives like travel grants, access to a Startup Venture Fund, and assistance in getting visas and business permits.

“The Innovative Startup Act is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s vision of a comfortable life for all Filipinos. DTI commits to implement the law to foster an environment conducive to smarter entrepreneurs,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Aside from the DTI, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are the host agencies to implement the Philippine Startup Development Program, composed of programs, benefits and incentives for the startup community.

"There is so much entrepreneurial potential, talent, motivation, and optimism of our young population. With the current strong momentum for collaboration between and among government, academe, and industry and the comprehensive fiscal and non-fiscal support of RA 11337, we will be able to grow and develop our startup ecosystem and catch up with our neighbors especially in creating billion-dollar startups,” said DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Rafaelita Aldaba.

To avail of these incentives, startups and startup enablers have to pass an application and selection process to be determined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The first meeting to craft the IRR was held on 22 July at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Present at the meeting were  DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevara and DICT Dir. Emmy Lou Delfin, as well as other officials and representatives from each agency.

Business registration assistance

Selected startups and enablers will get subsidies for business registration fees. The host agencies will also endorse their applications to be prioritized or expedited. The three agencies will also provide subsidies for use of office spaces, facilities, equipment, services, and repurposed government spaces.

Travel assistance, startup visas

For startups and enablers participating in local and international events, DTI, DOST, and DICT can help expedite travel documents and provide subsidies for airfare, baggage, per diem allowance, and other travel expenses.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will create startup visas for owners, employees, and investors valid for five years and renewed with three-year validity. Startup visa holders will be exempted from getting an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Meanwhile, Filipino startup executives will be eligible to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card which streamlines the entry process for APEC-member countries for short business trips.

Venture assistance

The host agencies will set up a startup grant fund to provide grants-in-aid for research and development, training, and expansion plans. DTI and the National Development Company (NDC) will also create a Startup Venture Fund to invest in startups based in the Philippines.

Startup Philippines website, education programs

The DICT will launch a Startup Philippines website, where beneficiaries can inquire about the progress of all incentives awarded under the law. The website will also contain a database of startups and enablers as well as relevant statistics, reports, and studies.

Under the new law, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also directed to integrate entrepreneurship in their curricula and provide grants and incentives to academic institutions.