Cebu City — In celebration of its 44th year last September, McDonald’s Philippines has opened its latest store in Cebu City. The store showcases an integration of style and sustainability. It also highlights the importance of supporting the socioeconomic and community needs of the people. The new store sits at Il Corso, the seaside development of Filinvest Mall along Cebu South Coastal Road. It is McDo’s 36th branch in Cebu Province. Moreover, it marks another milestone in the quick service restaurant (QSR) giant’s continued growth and expansion across the country.
The milestone store had its formal launch last November 29. McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang attended, alongside local government officials from Cebu City, representatives from Filinvest Malls, and media partners.
Opening Day at Il Corso
“We are absolutely thrilled to open our doors at McDonald’s Il Corso,” said Kenneth S. Yang, President and CEO. “The store design itself is a tribute to the vibrant creative scene in Cebu, widely recognized as the Design Capital of the Philippines. In addition, the store has sustainability features that align with our Green and Good program. More than its distinct aesthetic, our customers can expect the same great-tasting, quality food and exceptional service that they have come to love in McDonald’s.”
City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival, senior officers from Filinvest (represented by Francis Gotianun, First Senior
Vice President, Filinvest Hospitality Corp.; Ambassador Joseph Yap, Filinvest REIT Chairman of the Board; and
Josephine Gotianun Yap, Vice Chairperson, Filinvest Development Corp.), and other officials from McDonald’s
Philippines and the city government.
Serving the Community
McDonald’s Il Corso is more than just an exciting new store. It embodies McDonald’s commitment to contribute to the socioeconomic activity of any location where it operates. It also pays attention to urgent needs of the community, especially in times of calamities.
“McDonald’s Philippines strongly believes in providing opportunities for Filipinos, regardless of age, background, and gender identity and expression,” said Yang. “We give workers the opportunity to become their ‘Best Me’ through our practice of local and direct hiring, provision of flexible schedules for working students, and a world-class training and development program.”
Jobs and Recognition
Each new store opens up employment opportunities for at least 80 to 100 individuals. Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first store in Manila in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s Philippines has practiced direct employment and non-contractualization. This provides job security for a workforce of about 70,000. Many of them are Gen Z students balancing their studies with building work experience.
McDonald’s Philippines recently won the prestigious Employer of the Year Award from the People Management Association of the Philippines. The award recognizes its exceptional business and people management practices. The association presented it during its annual awards night in Cebu City.
Natural calamities devastated the country in October and November. In response, the company activated the McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. It provided hot meals for affected communities, front-line health workers, local volunteers, and McDonald’s employees who needed food assistance. Through the Kindness Kitchens, the company donated at least 50,000 meals to communities hit by the earthquakes and Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
Before opening the doors of McDonald’s Il Corso, the company also partnered with Filinvest Land for a Coastal Clean-up Drive last September 6. McDonald’s will continue to participate in other activities that align with the Green and Good platform and have a tangible impact on the community.
M for All in Cebu City
The ceremonial opening of McDonald’s Il Corso also coincided with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the local government. The agreement covers the inclusive hiring program M for All, which provides employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD). Under the program, 17 McDonald’s stores across Cebu will hire 102 senior citizens (two per store) for three months.
program for senior citizens. The ceremonial signing was led by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival (center),
alongside (from left) Jessica Uy, Supervising Labor & Employment Officer, Department of Labor and Employment
Region 7; Dr. Anthony Aguhar, Cebu City Public Employment Services Office Head; Kenneth S. Yang, McDonald’s
Philippines President & CEO; and Tess Domingo, McDonald’s Director for Human Capital Group
While young working students make up as much as 70 percent of the McDonald’s workforce, the company continues to believe in providing opportunities for individuals in their 60s and beyond. Since its 2019 launch, M For All (formerly Alternative Workforce Program) has employed senior citizens and PWDs in its stores. Ongoing partnerships exist across local government units including the City of Manila, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, San Fernando City in Pampanga, Bacoor, Cavite, and Davao City.
Where Design Meets Sustainability
As a Green and Good store, McDonald’s Il Corso champions sustainability. The store has rooftop solar panels, solar-powered lampposts, a rainwater harvesting tank, power-saving motion sensors, LED lights, and a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) aircon system. These features help reduce energy use and water consumption. They also lower the store’s overall environmental impact. In line with its commitment, the store also uses sustainable packaging to help minimize waste.
The store also celebrates the artistry and creativity of Cebuanos. McDonald’s Il Corso highlights design elements inspired by the province. Its exteriors feature eye-catching solihiya patterns and sawali-inspired finishes. These pay tribute to Cebu’s world-class weavers and furniture makers. Design accents resembling rattan, bamboo, and wood add a uniquely local feel.
