McDonald’s PH at 44: Doubling down on local jobs, talent growth

Insider Spotlight

• McDonald’s celebrates 44 years in the Philippines
• The company reaffirms its commitment to local job creation
• Over 70% of its workforce is made up of working students
• Recognized as Employer of the Year by PMAP

McDonald’s Philippines reinforces its commitment to direct local employment and talent development as it marks 44 years since opening its first store in the country.

It remains the only quick-service restaurant (QSR) in the country to practice direct hiring. 

Driving job security and growth

Since 1981, it has upheld a noncontractualization policy, ensuring job stability for more than 70,000 employees. Its workforce—70 percent of whom are working students—continues to benefit from opportunities for advancement and upskilling.

“When I brought McDonald’s to the Philippines, I initially envisioned opening 10 branches,” said McDonald’s Philippines chair and founder Dr. George T. Yang. 

“Forty-four years later, the Philippines now ranks as one of the top 10 McDonald’s markets in the world, and we have more than 800 stores across the country.”

Yang added, “McDonald’s Morayta also saw our very first batch of working students, many of whom were driven to gain substantial work experience while also pursuing their studies. Our commitment to supporting working students remains true today. I’m happy to say that 70 percent of our workforce are working students.”

Commitment to people and excellence

Each McDonald’s employee, regardless of age or background, undergoes a world-class training and development program designed to help them grow within and beyond the company. 

This holistic approach recently earned McDonald’s Philippines the Employer of the Year award from the People Management Association of the Philippines.

“We continue to build on the exceptional McDonald’s experience that our customers have grown up with and continue to love,” said McDonald’s president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. 

“Because our operations are guided by our strong values and our passion for excellence, we are confident that our customers can enjoy the same great-tasting and high-quality food, and the same top-notch customer service in any of our 800-plus stores nationwide.”

Sustaining communities

Beyond business, McDonald’s Philippines also channels its growth into community programs through the Green & Good sustainability platform and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, strengthening its mission to make a positive impact across generations. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma