DAVAO CITY (September 13) – The City Government of Davao has partnered with two of the country’s largest fast-food chains to open new employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Formal Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) were signed with the Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines) and the Jollibee Group, ensuring their integration into the workforce. The initiative is part of the city’s Senior Citizens Job Opportunity Ordinance authored by Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., which seeks to provide employment to able and willing seniors.
The first agreement, signed on September 9, commits McDonald’s to provide at least 110 job openings for senior citizens. Two days later, on September 11, the Jollibee Group pledged 87 job opportunities for both seniors and PWDs.
Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte underscored the importance of the program, noting that many senior citizens continue to express their desire to remain active and productive.
“Whenever I visit the barangays, I often meet seniors who say they still want to work if given the chance,” Duterte said, thanking McDonald’s and Jollibee for supporting the city’s efforts. “This is a big help for our seniors and PWDs because it is the government’s duty to take care of the marginalized sector.”
Lorenzo Borja, head of the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), clarified that the program is intended for seniors who are able and willing to work. “Even those beyond 70 years old may apply, as long as they meet the requirements and are capable of performing their tasks,” he explained, adding that priority will be given to applicants without any source of income.
Applications will be evaluated by the Department of Labor and Employment Region XI (DOLE-XI) and the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO-Davao).
The signing ceremonies were attended by city council members, officials of concerned local government offices, and representatives from both fast-food companies.
Duterte expressed optimism that more businesses would follow suit, saying these partnerships represent an important step toward equal employment opportunities for Dabawenyos.
