The Jollibee Group has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to co-develop a new Senior High School (SHS) Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Tech Pro elective under the country’s strengthened SHS curriculum.
The partnership was formally launched on January 15, 2026, at Jollibee Plaza in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, bringing together education officials and industry leaders to begin work on the curriculum and work immersion framework.
The DepEd–Jollibee Group program has two main parts: a QSR curriculum and a structured work immersion program. The curriculum introduces students to the fast-paced and high-volume environment of the quick service restaurant industry. It focuses on building discipline, teamwork, consistency, and understanding of systems—key qualities needed to succeed in the sector.
Through in-store immersion, students will apply classroom learning in actual restaurant settings, helping them gain hands-on experience and develop appropriate workplace behavior.
Ruth Angeles, chief human resources officer of Jollibee Group Philippines and head of human resources for Jollibee International, said the combined approach is designed to help students graduate with practical, job-ready skills.
“Together, the curriculum and work immersion are designed to help learners graduate with employable, future-ready competencies so they can step into the world of work with readiness, confidence, and aspiration,” Angeles said.
She added that the initiative aims to help bridge the gap between schools and the workplace by aligning classroom lessons with real industry needs. A cross-functional team of Jollibee Group experts will work closely with DepEd to ensure the course content meets national education standards while reflecting actual QSR operations.
Joseph Tanbuntiong, CEO of Jollibee Group Philippines and head of Jollibee Global, described the partnership as part of the company’s broader commitment to nation-building.
He said investing in young people’s skills and values strengthens not only employability but also communities and the country’s long-term resilience. Tanbuntiong emphasized that meaningful change happens when education and industry collaborate to ensure students learn skills that match real-world expectations.
The initiative supports the company’s “Inspire Joy” leadership philosophy and its sustainability agenda, “Joy for Tomorrow,” which promotes inclusive growth in communities where it operates.
DepEd officials said the program highlights the practical value of industry partnerships in making senior high school education more responsive to workforce demands, giving students clearer career pathways and better preparation for employment after graduation.
