BAGUIO CITY – The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RHMC), with the Baguio City Local Government Unit (LGU) headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, officially turned over a newly built child development center in Purok 1, Asin Road, Baguio City. The Php 3.5 million facility, constructed in just 31 days, is set to provide early childhood care and education to benefit about 90-100 young learners in the area. The Early Child Development Center is equipped with a Handwashing Station, Separate Toilets and a Kitchen.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the ceremony alongside RHMC and McDonald’s Philippines executives, emphasizing the city’s commitment to expanding access to quality early education. The event featured a ribbon cutting, the unveiling of a dedication plate, and a storytelling session with children, highlighted by the presence of Ronald McDonald, Chief Happiness Officer.

Addressing the Need for Early Childhood Education

Purok 1, Barangay Asin was identified by the LGU as an area in critical need of early childhood care, prompting the donation of the lot where the center now stands. The facility’s daily operations will be managed by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), with one to two teachers assigned per day care center.

Mayor Magalong congratulated the residents and officials of Barangay Asin on the completion of the project, highlighting its significance in addressing the community’s needs.

McDonald’s Commitment to Community Development

Ms. Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations & Impact and Vice President of the RHMC Board, reiterated McDonald’s commitment to championing children’s education, shelter, and happiness since RHMC started in 1995. She highlighted one of their company’s advocacies stating, “Getting the fundamentals right ensures that children flourish before they go to formal school.”

She also shared McDonald’s growth figures, with 790 stores nationwide and plans to open 65 new stores by 2024 and about 80 more in 2025. Alongside business expansion, the company remains committed to social responsibility, with the goal of establishing 100 child development centers across the country by 2028—53 more than its current count.

“These facilities are a testament to our commitment beyond just serving great food—we aim to uplift communities and enhance social development,” Hernandez added. She encouraged Asin residents to care for the center, saying, “Pangalagaan nyo sana ang Bahay Bulilit para mas maraming bata ang makagamit.”

A Proud Contribution to Baguio’s Future

Michael Del Rosario, McDonald’s franchise operator in Baguio City, expressed his joy in being part of the initiative. “I am proudly ‘Laking Baguio,’ and since 1995, we have been contributing to the community. It is touching to see that through this center, children will learn essential values like malasakit and teamwork.”

This child development center in Asin Road marks another milestone in RHMC’s advocacy, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between the private sector and local governments in supporting early childhood care and education in the Philippines.

Witnessing the event firsthand was truly heartwarming and inspiring. From the outside, it may seem like just a small learning center, but its impact on early childhood education speaks volumes—laying the foundation for young minds and contributing to nation-building in a meaningful way.