Jollibee introduces “Jolliskwela,” its first education-focused employee volunteerism program in partnership with the Department of Education and Jollibee Group Foundation, supporting the nation’s goal for quality education for every Filipino child.
On October 14, 2025, Jollibee officially launched Jolliskwela, its first education-focused employee volunteerism program, in partnership with the Jollibee Group Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd). The event was graced by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Carmela C. Oracion, and the leadership teams of Jollibee Philippines and Jollibee Group Foundation.
Aligned with DepEd’s MATATAG curriculum and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, Jolliskwela reinforces Jollibee’s commitment to nation-building by empowering children, educators, and parents to foster a love for learning. Through this initiative, Jollibee aims to mobilize over 5,000 employees and partners to work alongside local government units, non-profit organizations, and public schools to promote joyful and purposeful education for Filipino children across the country.
Addressing the National Learning Crisis
The Philippines faces one of the highest learning poverty rates in the world. According to a 2022 World Bank report, 91% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read and comprehend simple text. Recognizing this challenge, Jollibee is using its wide network and dedicated workforce to be a catalyst for meaningful change.
Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Jollibee Brand Global Head Joseph Tanbuntiong highlighted the deeper mission behind the program. “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. When our employees share their time for children, they plant seeds of hope, nurture the next generation, and build bridges of learning and opportunity.”
Nurturing a Love for Learning
The Jolliskwela program is built around four core pillars that address key areas of education: Character and Values Formation, Literacy and Language Proficiency, Teacher and Parent Empowerment, and Joyful Learning Spaces. The Literacy and Language Proficiency component, in particular, supports DepEd’s Bawat Bata Makababasa Program, which envisions a Philippines where every child can read and understand.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying, “We’re always thankful for Jollibee—it’s the partnership that keeps on giving. The challenge for our youth today is to learn how to read and understand. When we combine DepEd and Jollibee's efforts, we strengthen learning outcomes and create real impact. This initiative is truly a blessing for us at DepEd.”
Building Futures Through Volunteerism
Jollibee Philippines President Ferns Yu, Jr. emphasized the brand’s long-standing dedication to education. “From launching our Jollibee Values Books to our goal of building 50 classrooms by 2028, we’ve consistently opened doors of learning for Filipino children. Through Jolliskwela, we’re expanding this mission by engaging employees to nurture literacy, values, and joyful learning spaces for children, while also equipping teachers and parents with the right tools and support.”
Over the next five years, Jolliskwela aims to reach more than 91,000 children, record nearly 46,000 volunteer hours, and achieve a 50% participation rate among Jollibee employees and partners.
Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Head of Human Resources for Jollibee Brand International, Ruth Angeles added, “What makes Jolliskwela so meaningful is that it brings people together for a purpose bigger than ourselves—the purpose of opening doors of learning for Filipino children.”
Jollibee Philippines Human Resources Head Anabelle Gosioco echoed the same sentiment, saying, “Every story we tell, every child we inspire, and every community we touch are small but powerful steps toward shaping the future of our nation.”
Through Jolliskwela, Jollibee continues to spread joy not only through its meals but through its mission of creating a brighter, more educated, and hopeful future for every Filipino child—one volunteer at a time.
Post a Comment
0Comments