As classrooms across the country prepare to welcome students for a new school year, McDonald’s Philippines is once again stepping up in a big way. Celebrating its 19th consecutive year of participation in the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela, the company mobilized nearly 4,000 volunteers from 679 stores nationwide—proving that the spirit of community service is alive and thriving in the Golden Arches.
Armed with cleaning supplies, paintbrushes, and plenty of heart, McDonald’s team members, including top executives, joined hands with school staff and local communities to spruce up public elementary schools across the country. Leading the charge, the McDonald’s Philippines Leadership Team rolled up their sleeves at Catmon Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, on June 10—just days before classes officially resumed on June 16.
But their contributions went beyond cleaning and decorating. McDonald’s also delivered a powerful impact through its ReClassified initiative—a sustainability program that breathes new life into old store furniture. Repurposed chairs and tables were donated not just to Catmon Elementary, but to five other schools in Rizal through a partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
This year alone, 250 pieces of ReClassified furniture are being distributed, with over 2,000 students having benefited from the program nationwide so far.
Catmon Elementary School Principal Madonna Evangelio expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Malaking tulong po ang ginawa ng McDonald’s. The chairs they gave are especially important for our Grade 1 and 2 learners, where we’ve long faced shortages.”
McDonald’s also extended its commitment through partnerships with Ecolab and Diversey, who donated hygiene essentials such as soaps and floor cleaners. These were distributed to schools via Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 schools will receive McDonald’s-designed signage to help improve school environments and boost morale.
To further energize the Brigada spirit, McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen served 1,000 meals during the kickoff event at Bacacay East Central School in Albay—fueling volunteers, teachers, and community members for the hard work ahead.
“Brigada Eskwela is more than just a yearly activity—it’s a shared mission,” said Adi Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact at McDonald’s Philippines. “Since 2006, we’ve been supporting education through clean-up drives, donations, and meaningful partnerships with the schools in our communities.”
Beyond Brigada, McDonald’s continues to invest in the future of Filipino youth. Through RMHC, the company supports Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) by building Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, and promotes literacy through the Read to Learn program for Grades 1 and 2.
The company is also opening doors for youth employment. In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), McDonald’s provides jobs for out-of-school youth, while many working students find flexible employment as crew members in stores—earning while pursuing their education.
“McDonald’s believes in opportunity at every level,” Hernandez added. “From preschoolers learning to read, to young adults earning their first paycheck, we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
To learn more about how you can support RMHC and its education initiatives, visit rmhc.org.ph or donate directly at rmhc.org.ph/donate.
For more about McDonald’s Philippines, check out http://www.mcdonalds.com.ph, or follow them on Facebook at McDo.ph, Instagram at @mcdo_ph, and X at @McDo_PH.
