Jollibee Launches Jolliskwela to Empower Filipino Students Through Learning and Volunteerism

Jollibee is spreading joy beyond its restaurants with the launch of Jolliskwela, the company’s first education-focused employee volunteerism program.

In partnership with the Jollibee Group Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd), this initiative aims to uplift the quality of education across the country and inspire a lifelong love for learning among Filipino children.

The program’s official launch was attended by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, OIC-Undersecretary Dr. Carmela C. Oracion, and key leaders from Jollibee Philippines and the Jollibee Group Foundation.

Building a Brighter Future Through Learning

Aligned with DepEd’s MATATAG curriculum and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, Jolliskwela underscores Jollibee’s role in nation-building. It seeks to empower children, teachers, and parents to create joyful learning environments that nurture both academic and personal growth.

With the help of over 5,000 Jollibee employees and partners, the program will collaborate with Local Government Units (LGUs), non-profit organizations (NGOs), and public schools to reach communities nationwide. Through these partnerships, Jolliskwela hopes to strengthen literacy, build character, and create meaningful learning opportunities for the next generation.

Addressing the Learning Gap in the Philippines

In 2022, the World Bank reported that 91% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read and understand simple text, one of the world’s highest learning poverty rates. Recognizing this urgent challenge, Jollibee is taking action by leveraging its vast network of passionate employees to make a tangible difference.

“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,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Jollibee Brand Global Head. “When our employees share their time with children, they plant seeds of hope and build bridges of learning and opportunity.”

Four Pillars of Jolliskwela

Jolliskwela is anchored on four key pillars that promote holistic education:

• Character and Values Formation
• Literacy and Language Proficiency
• Teacher and Parent Empowerment
• Joyful Learning Spaces

The Literacy and Language Proficiency component supports DepEd’s Bawat Bata Makababasa Program, which envisions a future where every Filipino child can read and understand with confidence.

“We’re always thankful for Jollibee, it’s a partnership that keeps on giving,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. “When we combine the efforts of DepEd and Jollibee, we strengthen our ability to ensure every child learns, reads, and understands. This is truly a blessing for us.”

Continuing Jollibee’s Commitment to Education

For years, Jollibee has supported education through initiatives such as the Jollibee Values Books and its goal of building 50 classrooms by 2028. With Jolliskwela, the company takes this advocacy further by encouraging volunteerism and collaboration.

“We are committed to opening doors of learning for Filipino children,” said Ferns Yu, Jr., President of Jollibee Philippines. “Through Jolliskwela, we’ll nurture literacy, values, and joyful learning spaces while empowering teachers, parents, and volunteers to deliver lasting impact.”

Over the next five years, Jolliskwela aims to reach more than 91,000 children, log over 46,000 volunteer hours, and achieve a 50% employee volunteer participation rate.

“What makes Jolliskwela meaningful is that it brings people together for a purpose bigger than ourselves, the purpose of opening doors of learning for Filipino children,” shared Ruth Angeles, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and Head of HR for Jollibee Brand International.

As Anabelle Gosioco, Jollibee Philippines Human Resources Head, beautifully summed up, “Every story we tell, every child we inspire, and every community we reach becomes a small but powerful step toward shaping the future of our nation.”

A Nation United in Learning

With Jolliskwela, Jollibee reaffirms its commitment to spreading joy not just through food, but through education, empowering every Filipino child to learn, grow, and dream bigger.