With over 1.8 billion young individuals worldwide—half residing in the Asia-Pacific region—the promise of youth as tomorrow’s pioneers is undeniable. In the Philippines, the Jollibee Group is committed to harnessing this promise, particularly concentrating on disadvantaged communities.
The youth empowerment initiatives of Jollibee Group correspond with its dedication to community enhancement as defined in the global sustainability framework, Joy for Tomorrow.
“For many years, the Jollibee Group has been devoted to empowering young Filipinos through sustainable and impactful initiatives,” stated Joseph Tanbuntiong, CEO of JFC Philippines. “Alongside our community collaborators, we persist in applying our expertise to forge pathways in education, agriculture, and employment.”
Establishing routes to employment
Unemployment persists as a challenge for many underprivileged Filipino youth, particularly amidst a tough economic landscape. Many have lost their jobs or have been unable to find stable employment due to the consequences of the pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the youth unemployment rate in the Philippines as of May 2023 stands at 10.6%.
The Jollibee Group, via its social development branch Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), has teamed up with Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and USAID to launch YouthWorks PH. This project intends to bridge the divide between education and employment, offering training for youth who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The initiative’s pilot, featuring 26 youth from Cebu City, will provide job-specific training, allowances, and practical experience at the participating stores of Jollibee, Chowking, and Greenwich.
“We are thrilled to witness the initial group of 26 out-of-school youth in Cebu City embark on this opportunity,” remarked PBEd executive director Justine Raagas. “This endeavor serves as a proof of what can be accomplished when we eliminate barriers and collaborate. When government, businesses, educators, and communities unite, we can empower young individuals, unlock their potential, and pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
Empowering young Filipinos
In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Jollibee Group is further promoting youth employment through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES). This initiative plans to provide temporary job opportunities to 900 underprivileged youth, enabling them to acquire essential skills for the job market.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized the importance of SPES in equipping young Filipinos with the abilities and knowledge necessary to excel in the workforce: “When we invest in our youth, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, we furnish them with the tools and support needed to achieve their utmost potential.”
“This collaborative initiative holds great promise for both the Filipino populace and the national economy. By joining forces, we can develop a brighter future replete with opportunities for our youth, where businesses thrive alongside a skilled and motivated workforce. We genuinely believe this partnership will empower innumerable young Filipinos to succeed,” Secretary Laguesma added.
The Jollibee Group has a long-standing partnership with DOLE for the SPES. Since 2015, more than 800 youths have been previously engaged in the company’s commissaries and restaurants of brands like Chowking, Greenwich, and Red Ribbon.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (seated, second from right) and the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) led by Ruth Angeles (seated, second from left) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement on the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) that will benefit 900 underprivileged students and out-of-school youth in the Philippines.
Enhancing education and agriculture
This is not the initial time the Jollibee Group has launched an initiative for the marginalized youth demographic. In 2005, the JGF introduced the Access, Curriculum, and Employability or ACE Scholarship Program, which provides two categories of educational assistance to underprivileged youth: college scholarships for degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management or Business Management, and vocational training opportunities.
scholarships, in collaboration with Don Bosco Technical College.
In 2018, JGF collaborated with the Anihan Technical School to create the Quick Service Restaurant Operations course, which encompasses both classroom and on-site training for scholars, enhancing not only their skill set but also their employability in the food service sector.
Since the ACE Scholarship Program was launched in 2004, JGF has awarded scholarships to 2,397 individuals, which includes 1,117 beneficiaries focused on agriculture and 139 on technical-vocational skill development.
The ACE Scholarship Program is aligned with the United Nations’ transformative Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to promote peace and prosperity worldwide, especially within its Quality Education (SDG4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10) objectives.
Young individuals in agriculture
Considering the Philippines is primarily an agricultural nation, the Jollibee Group also acknowledges the potential that young farmers possess in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across different areas, as it continues to empower youth scholars, farmers, and local agricultural communities nationwide through its regional partners like the Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative (SHSC) in Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur.
JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) has been empowering numerous SHSC members and groups through scholarships and training initiatives since 2013. FEP focuses on enhancing the leadership and technical capabilities of smallholder farmers, assisting them in becoming direct suppliers of high-quality vegetables to corporate clients such as the Jollibee Group, thereby securing their sustainable profitability.
The SHSC farmers and scholars recently hosted select press members for a farm tour at Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur, where they highlighted some of the notable effects of the FEP program on their farming and marketing practices, along with discussions addressing the farmers’ and agricultural sector’s needs.
Beneficial impact
The Jollibee Group’s initiatives have created a significant effect on disadvantaged youth throughout the Philippines. Through programs that offer education, employment prospects, and agricultural skill training, thousands of young Filipinos are acquiring the knowledge and self-assurance necessary to establish better futures.
“These initiatives transcend mere opportunity creation—they empower our youth with the resources to reshape their lives and their communities,” expressed Tanbuntiong. “Collaborating with our partners, we are nurturing a future where every young individual has the opportunity to flourish and leave a meaningful imprint on their surrounding environment.”
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