Manila, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and SM Mart Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 10 November 2023 to strengthen the provision of employment facilitation services and labor market information to jobseekers.
The MOA was signed during the ceremonial gathering at the SM Mart Inc. Headquarters in Pasay City. The event was attended by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover, and from SM Mart Vice President for Human Resources Bernadette L. Tansingco, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources Belen E. Orosa, and Executive Vice President Dhino Francis S. Tiu.
Through the partnership, there will be a reinforced effort to broaden and improve access to employment opportunities, comprehensive facilitation services for full employment, and labor market information for jobseekers which are part of the DOLE’s commitment under the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028.
The objectives of the MOA will be aligned with the pillars of SM Mart Inc.’s Institutional Partnership Program (IPP) with various programs of the DOLE, including Labor Market Information particularly National Skills Registration Program (PhilJobNet), Youth Employability Programs, and Public Employment Services including the Career Development Support Program.
In his message, Secretary Laguesma highlighted the significance of empowering individuals by improving their access to labor market opportunities and facilitating full employment.
The partnership signifies a shared objective between DOLE and SM Mart Inc., which is to collaborate in offering job seekers access to labor market opportunities, comprehensive employment facilitation services, and labor market information. This collaboration is achieved through aligning DOLE’s initiatives with the Institutional Partnership Program of SM Mart Inc.
“The vision of the Department of Labor and Employment for every Filipino worker to attain full, decent, and productive employment is aligned with the objective of the Memorandum of Agreement. The MOA will be a living testament of partnership towards creating innovative solutions that will empower jobseekers to overcome obstacles, hone their skills, and find gainful employment leading towards the achievement of this vision,” Secretary Laguesma said.
Vice President for Human Resources Bernadette L. Tansingco of SM Mart Inc., also shared motivational messages underscoring the importance of collaboration in improving access to labor market opportunities.
VP Tansingco emphasized the SM Mart’s role in fostering innovative solutions that empower job seekers to overcome challenges, develop their skills, and secure gratifying employment. Additionally, she stressed the commitment to ensuring sustainable and inclusive workforce development.
In 2023, the DOLE and SM started its collaboration through the accreditation of SM Malls as the official and primary venues for the conduct of satellite job fairs and other DOLE-initiated activities. SM has provided the Department with more than 40 SM Malls which served as primary sites for said activities.
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