Davao City Partners with Major Fast Food Chains to Employ Senior Citizens and PWDs

The Davao City Government has formalized partnerships with two leading fast food corporations to implement a work opportunity program aimed at senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, accompanied by various city officials, participated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing events: September 11, 2025, with the Jollibee Group, and September 9, 2025, with the Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines).

Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, representing the acting mayor during the McDonald’s MOA signing, emphasized that this initiative would empower senior citizens to supplement their retirement funds while promoting their physical and mental health.

Second District Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. expressed strong support for the agreements, highlighting that the collaboration is expected to significantly aid the city’s efforts to generate employment for the elderly population. He detailed that both fast food chains plan to hire senior citizens and PWDs across their outlets, offering four-hour shifts. The program aims to start hiring before the end of the year, benefiting approximately 100 seniors initially.

Under the agreement with Jollibee, eligible individuals can seek employment not only at Jollibee branches but also in other businesses within the Jollibee Group conglomerate. Mahipus also noted that a recently approved ordinance is designed to expand partnerships beyond the initial two fast food companies.

Clarifying eligibility and employment procedures, Mahipus stated that only qualified and interested candidates would be considered. Applicants must obtain health clearances and meet specific job requirements to ensure they are fit to work. Employment will likely be on a contractual basis to enable rotation and maximize the number of beneficiaries.

Mahipus remarked during a city council session, "Kani siya tabang nato sa ilaha, katong gusto pa magtrabaho, katong kinahanglan pa magtrabaho, ug acknowledgment pod sa ilaha nga wala pod ta kalimot sa ilaha kay naa man gyud elderlies nga gusto magcontinue." (This program is designed to help those who still want to work, those who need to continue working, and to acknowledge that we have not forgotten the elderly who wish to keep contributing.)

Lorenzo Borja, head of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), affirmed that senior citizens of any age may apply provided they fulfill employer-set criteria. Hired seniors will receive regular employee benefits, ensuring fair treatment.

Mahipus encouraged prospective applicants to seek guidance from the Public Employment Service Office–Davao City (Peso-Davao City).

This initiative follows the City Council's approval of the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance on June 17, 2025, which aims to foster inclusive employment for seniors.

The program has been in development since Mahipus first introduced the proposal during a privilege speech on October 10, 2023. By mid-2024, commitments from key fast food companies were already secured, with ongoing efforts to enhance city employment programs.

As of 2024, Davao City estimates approximately 170,000 senior citizens and 34,000 registered persons with disabilities, highlighting the program’s potential reach and impact.