Building careers, classrooms, and futures. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Jollibee Group sealed its partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the co-development of a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, and a memorandum of agreement for the construction of 50 classrooms by 2028. The ceremonial signing was led by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara (5th from left) and Jollibee Group Philippines Chief Executive Officer and Jollibee Brand Global Head Joseph Tanbuntiong (6th from left).
Strengthening its collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Jollibee Group has sealed a milestone partnership to co-develop a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Senior High School curriculum and construct 50 classrooms nationwide by 2028, marking its 50th anniversary celebration.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara hailed the initiative as a model for public-private collaboration. “This partnership with the Jollibee Group is a strong example of how industry-relevant learning can enter the classroom.
At a time when AI and tech disruption are reshaping industries and jobs, this collaboration gives our learners not only the right skills but also the resilience to thrive. The commitment to build 50 new classrooms by 2028 also shows how this partnership invests in both knowledge and space, ensuring that more Filipino students are equipped for the future of work.”
Jollibee Group Philippines CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong stressed the long-term impact of the initiative. “Real change begins when students learn in safe, inspiring classrooms, and see a clear path from classroom to career—when every Joy Learning Center becomes a place of hope, and every QSR immersion grows into skill, confidence, and opportunity.”
From classroom to career: Building future food service professionals
The QSR curriculum, designed for senior high school students under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (Tech-Voc) track, will blend classroom instruction with immersive on-the-job training across Jollibee Group brands. Students will gain practical skills in restaurant operations—food preparation, customer service, safety and sanitation, and business communication—preparing them for meaningful careers in the food service industry.
“This program expands pathways for young Filipinos to secure employment and raises service standards across the QSR sector,” said Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer. Work immersion will roll out in the next school year, with lessons from the pilot phase guiding future expansion.
50 schools for 50 years
In line with its golden anniversary, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) announced its commitment to build 50 classrooms nationwide by 2028 to help address the country’s classroom backlog. The first six classrooms will rise in Mindoro, Cebu, and Sarangani beginning in 2026.
“This classroom building project is a key part of our 50th anniversary celebration in 2028 and JGF’s 20th year this year,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson. “By creating safe, inspiring learning spaces, we hope to empower communities and nurture resilient generations of learners.”
The initiatives form part of Jollibee Group’s broader Joy of Learning program, which also includes the flagship Busog, Lusog, Talino (BLT) Central Kitchen feeding initiative. Together, these efforts aim to create inclusive, sustainable, and transformative learning environments across the country.