12/03/2025
First McDo Bahay Bulilit Opens in Baguio, CAR
BAGUIO CITY - Making a difference in the lives of Filipino children, McDonald's Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation) opens its first Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Purok 1, Asin, Baguio City on March 12, 2025, the first in Baguio City and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Golden Arches Development Corporation Corporate Communications Manager Caitlin Jao explained that, through a cooperative effort between the local government unit (LGU), a property was selected in Barangay Asin as the just location for the learning facility, adding that the selection of the location for the learning center was determined based on a number of factors, the need for suitable and accessible education being one of them.
Jao further detailed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) will be tasked with its day-to-day operations.
The construction of the building was shouldered by McDonald's Philippines, who would also cover the maintenance of the structure.
Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact of Golden Arches Development Corporation Adi Timbol-Hernandez expressed the company's intent to establish 10 more Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, with the second center to be built in Isabela.
After 100 learning centers, Timbol-Hernandez said McDonald's Philippines will enhance and grow the Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers while maintaining, renovating, and innovating the existing ones.
She explains that, while the global House focuses on providing lodging for families affected with health concerns, the Philippine House caters not just to shelter but also to food and education.
Moreover, Bahay Bulilit may evolve into accommodating health-related concerns on the weekend as well, Timbol-Hernandez said. Bahay Bulilit Learning Center operates from Monday to Friday, similar to the Philippine preschool setup.
Satisfied and appreciative of the growth of his side of the Big Mac, Mr. Michael Del Rosario, together with family member David Del Rosario, donned smiles all the way during the turnover ceremony for the feat since opening their McDonald's franchise in Baguio in 1991.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong relayed his amazement at the speed of the construction of the structure, saying the memorandum of agreement between the City and McDonald's to the completion of the infrastructure took almost three months.
Mayor Magalong also unveiled the inauguration plaque at the site's building entrance.
Ms. Julina Olowan, representing Baguio City Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, and Ms. Constancia Oras-Molintas, representing Baguio City Councilor Jose "JoeMol" M. Molintas, were present during the event, along with City Social Welfare Development Office chief Ms. Liza Bulayungan, Ms. Angelie Pam Carino, and officials of Barangay Asin, headed by Punong Barangay Peter P. Dumapi.
The center marks the Golden Arches' 47th Bahay Bulilit in the Philippines, aiming to reach 100 learning centers by the year 2028.
Members of the media and the press were invited to the inauguration of the Bahay Bulilit Learning Center, including KBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter chairman, Mr. Erickson "Rico John" D. Ferrer, and KBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter secretary, Mr. Ralph Waldo "DJ Raffy" R. Raposa, both from 95. 9 Big Sound FM. KBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter member-stations who were also present were FMR Baguio 94.3, RPN DZBS Baguio, Mt. Province Broadcasting Corporation - MPBC, BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES - Baguio, and UNTV News and Rescue.
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The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines Incorporated was established in 1995 by McDonald's Philippines founder George T. Yang, is the Philippine chapter of the global institution, with the aim of preparing bright minds of formal schooling while providing quality access to basic education.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.rmhc.org.ph/
https://www2.rmhc.org.ph/about-bahay-bulilit/
Tags: McDonald's, McDonald's, Golden Arches Development Corporation, Baguio City Public Information Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development - DSWD
Article and photos by:
Ralph Waldo "DJ Raffy" R. Raposa, DWBG-FM 95.9 Big Sound FM
