As millions of Filipino students gear up for the opening of classes, McDonald’s Philippines once again demonstrated its commitment to education and community service by mobilizing more than 10,000 employee volunteers through the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program, supporting over 700 public schools across the country.
From repainting classrooms and repairing school facilities to cleaning campuses and providing meals for teachers, parents, and fellow volunteers, McDonald’s employees rolled up their sleeves to help create safer and more welcoming learning spaces for students.
In Quezon City, employees from the company’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC) joined Brigada Eskwela at Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School through Good Trip, McDonald’s employee volunteerism platform. The team repainted Grade 4 and Grade 5 classrooms, spruced up school grounds, and distributed school kits complete with raincoats to help students stay protected during the rainy season.
A Culture of Malasakit in Action
The initiative embodies McDonald’s core value of Malasakit—a culture of genuine care that extends beyond serving customers and into uplifting the communities where the company operates.
“It is a powerful reflection of who we are as McDonald’s. It speaks of our culture of malasakit, our spirit of volunteerism, and our shared commitment to make a difference in the lives of others, especially for the benefit of our youth,” said Ben Marasigan, Vice President for McDonald’s Human Capital Group.
For Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School, which serves nearly 5,000 students, the support came at a crucial time. In addition to refreshed classrooms, the school received cleaning equipment, school supplies, signages, and raincoats—resources that will help create a cleaner, safer, and more conducive environment for learning.
“Our partnership with McDonald’s is important because it reminds us that we are not alone in our mission of providing children with a better future,” said Assistant Principal Enelda Martinez.
Creating Lasting Impact Through Volunteerism
For many McDonald’s employees, the initiative was deeply personal.
Senior Financial Analyst Francesca Acop, whose grandparents dedicated their lives as public school teachers, said participating in Brigada Eskwela allowed her to honor their legacy while helping improve the learning experience for today’s students.
More than preparing classrooms for the first day of school, McDonald’s Philippines’ participation in Brigada Eskwela underscores the power of volunteerism, collaboration, and Malasakit in creating meaningful change. Through the collective efforts of thousands of employees nationwide, the company continues to help build stronger schools, empowered communities, and brighter futures for the next generation of Filipinos.