Insider Spotlight
Why it matters
The initiative, launched in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Jollibee Group Foundation, underscores the fast-food giant’s commitment to nation-building through education. It targets the country’s learning poverty crisis—where 91 percent of 10-year-old Filipino children struggle to read and understand simple text—by nurturing joy and purpose in learning.
“This initiative reminds us of what we truly stand for: that joy is not only found in the meals we serve, but also in the futures we help create,” Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and brand global head , said in a press release on Oct. 30, 2025.
How it works
Through Jolliskwela, Jollibee mobilizes over 5,000 employees and partners, working hand in hand with local government units, nonprofits, and public schools. The program focuses on four pillars—Character and Values Formation, Literacy and Language Proficiency, Teacher and Parent Empowerment, and Joyful Learning Spaces—aligned with DepEd’s “Bawat Bata Makababasa” program.
What they’re saying
Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised the partnership, saying, “Ang challenge ng ating kabataan ngayon (The challenge faced by our youth today) is how to read, how to learn, and how to understand ... This is truly a blessing for us at DepEd and it’s something we really welcome and are thankful for.”
The big picture
Over the next five years, Jolliskwela aims to reach 91,000 children, log 46,000 volunteer hours, and engage half of Jollibee’s workforce in volunteer efforts.
“What makes Jolliskwela so meaningful is that it brings people together for a purpose bigger than ourselves,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group CHRO.
As Jollibee Philippines HR head Anabelle Gosioco put it, “Every story we tell, every child we inspire, and every community we touch become small but powerful steps toward shaping the future of our nation.” —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
