McDonald’s Philippines has ramped up its commitment to public school readiness, mobilizing nearly 4,000 volunteers from 679 stores across the country for the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program.
Now in its 19th year, the initiative saw employees, managers, and corporate partners join forces to clean, paint, and prepare classrooms ahead of the June 16 school opening.
The company’s leadership team led the charge at Catmon Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, on June 10, where they also handed over classroom furniture under the “ReClassified” initiative. The program refurbishes retired tables and chairs from McDonald’s stores and donates them to schools. This year, 250 pieces will be distributed to six schools in Rizal, in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation. To date, the program has reached more than 12 schools and helped over 2,000 students.
“Malaking tulong po ang ginawa ng McDonald’s,” said Catmon Elementary School principal Madonna Evangelio, who noted the importance of the additional chairs for their KS-1 learners, especially in grade 1 and grade 2.
McDonald’s also provided meals to 1,000 volunteers during the kickoff at Bacacay East Central School in Albay, through its McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. Corporate partners Ecolab and Diversey contributed cleaning supplies, while nearly 1,000 schools will receive school signage produced by the team.
Since 2006, McDonald’s Philippines has been a steady partner in Brigada Eskwela, part of its broader commitment to education and youth development. Through Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), the company supports early childhood learning via Bahay Bulilit centers and helps beginning readers through the Read to Learn program with DepEd. It also employs out-of-school youth in partnership with DOLE, and hires working students as part of its crew.
“Volunteerism has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s assistant vice president for Corporate Relations and Impact. “Through our education and employment programs, we continue to create opportunities for Filipino youth, from preschool to first jobs.”
For more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines and how to support its education programs, visit rmhc.org.ph or donate via rmhc.org.ph/donate.
