How McDonald’s Philippines builds careers with job security and growth for youth
By providing stable and flexible jobs for over four decades, McDonald’s Philippines has become a key player in Filipino workforce development. Its approach focuses on nurturing people, especially the youth, to be their best selves.
Since its first store opened in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines has committed to direct employment and rejecting contractualization. This means job security for its 65,000-strong workforce, a rare guarantee in many sectors today.
Chairman Dr. George T. Yang’s belief that removing job insecurity lets employees focus on growth resonates with anyone who’s ever worried about losing work while trying to build a future.
“We have always believed that providing our employees job security makes good business sense,” says Dr. Yang. “By taking away worries about their job status, employees can focus on growing as workers and as individuals, allowing them to become the best that they can be. The time they spend in store also exposes them to various stations, and allows them to master various aspects of our operations.”
The company’s focus on flexible schedules is especially important for its large base of working students, who make up 70 percent of the staff. Offering shifts that fit school hours and providing life skills training creates a workplace that supports young Filipinos beyond just a paycheck. Whether employees stay long-term or move on, the skills they gain at McDonald’s prepare them for various paths.
The “Easy Maging Best Me” campaign puts a spotlight on this philosophy by sharing stories of former crew members who have risen to prominence. Rico Hizon, an award-winning broadcast journalist, started as a McDonald’s crew member at a branch in Greenhills in 1983.
He recalls: “During my time at McDo, I really appreciated how integrity was part of the everyday work. Kahit sa anong trabaho, honesty and integrity matter. And with lifelong learning at McDo, it’s easy to be the best me.”
Also featured in the campaign are Charlene Perdigon, one of the rising stars of Philippine volleyball and former McDonald’s Lucena Diversion (Quezon Province) crew member in 2021; Real Florido, independent filmmaker and former McDonald’s United Nations crew member in 2003; Tess Lopez, an assistant vice president at a major toy company and former McDonald’s Katipunan crew member in 1991; and Eric Castro, who started as a crew member at McDonald’s Gotesco in 1995, rising from the ranks to become an operations manager.
Each of them represents the brand’s values and promise to nurture employees so they can become the best versions of themselves during their stay at the company or even beyond.
This year, McDonald’s Philippines is opening at least 65 new stores in the country, focusing on fast-developing areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each new store provides employment opportunities for 80 to 100 individuals, signifying the company’s commitment to supporting local economic development.
Today, the Philippines is one of the top 10 McDonald’s markets in the world. Its store network is present in all regions in the country, and it is all set to breach the 800-store milestone in 2025.
Those who wish to join the McDonald’s Philippines family are encouraged to visit the nearest McDonald’s store, McDo PH’s social media channels, for the latest opportunities for prospective employees to be their Best Me.
