McDonald’s Philippines marked National Teachers’ Month with classroom improvements, free coffee and educator recognition activities, underscoring how corporate community programs can extend beyond seasonal campaigns to support public education.
The fast-food company turned over 50 ReClassified chairs to East Central Elementary School in Cagayan de Oro City in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). The initiative gives decommissioned McDonald’s store furniture a second life by converting it into classroom furniture for public schools.
From October 3 to 6, teachers from more than 1,600 schools nationwide received free coffee at nearby McDonald’s restaurants. The company also supported DepEd’s National Teachers’ Month activities, held from September 5 to October 5, by providing up to 8,000 meals for educators attending celebrations and gatherings.
These activities included recognition programs for serving and retired teachers, as well as educators from regions implementing DepEd’s Indigenous Peoples Education Program.
Through its employee volunteer initiative, Good Trip, McDonald’s also staged a “Teacher, Ikaw Naman!” celebration at Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.
Among the participants was Josephine Espiritu, a retired teacher-librarian who spent 39 years in public schools. “Iba ang teacher talaga. Walang engineer, walang doctor … kung walang teacher. It’s the noblest profession,” she said, highlighting the role educators play in developing future professionals.
Beyond Teachers’ Month, McDonald’s Philippines supports early childhood education through Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Daycare Centers, established with local government units to provide preschool children with spaces for learning and play. The company said 60 centers are operating nationwide.
Its employee volunteers also participate in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela, helping prepare classrooms before the school year begins.
According to the company, its education programs have reached at least 13.2 million students, 14,500 schools and 30,000 teachers.
The initiatives combine material assistance, volunteerism and educator recognition, positioning the company’s education work as a continuing community investment rather than a once-a-year tribute.
