McDonald’s Philippines, under George T. Yang, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have forged a landmark partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The aim of this collaboration is to develop the country’s inaugural Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) training curriculum. This pioneering initiative seeks to establish TESDA-accredited standards for QSR skills and competencies, offering training through both Institution-based Training (IBT) and Enterprise-based Training (EBT) Programs to benefit a wider Filipino audience.
As part of this endeavor, McDonald’s Philippines’ Crew training programs will undergo rigorous review and accreditation by TESDA. The ultimate goal is to introduce a nationally recognized curriculum that standardizes training across the QSR sector, thereby enhancing skills and bolstering employability among those pursuing careers in the industry.
The initiative begins with the development of a comprehensive labor market information report focused on QSRs, aimed at identifying essential skills and competencies required by prospective employees. This will be followed by the creation of Competency Standards, a Competency-Based Curriculum, an Institutional Assessment Tool, and the appointment of Regional Lead Trainers, all aimed at fortifying the QSR training program.
Additionally, the partnership aims to raise awareness about the TESDA-GADC Partnership Program, highlighting career opportunities within the QSR industry to a broader audience.
Ruben R. Marasigan, Vice-President of Human Capital Group at McDonald’s Philippines, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to join forces with TESDA to pioneer the QSR training curriculum in the Philippines. Our crew training program has consistently delivered high-quality results, empowering our team members to enhance their skills and excel in the food service sector. Through this partnership, our goal is to expand access to our training programs and create more opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.”
TESDA Secretary/Director General Suharto Mangudadatu, Ph.D., echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the MOA: “This partnership with McDonald’s Philippines marks a crucial milestone in addressing the skills gap within the QSR industry. By establishing standardized training and accreditation processes, we aim to cultivate highly skilled professionals capable of thriving in their chosen careers.”
The collaboration between McDonald’s Philippines and TESDA underscores a shared commitment to elevating workforce skills and offering inclusive training opportunities for aspiring QSR professionals. This initiative is poised to make a substantial contribution to the growth and success of the fast-food industry in the Philippines.
