McDonald’s Philippines triumphed at this year’s People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Awards by bagging the coveted Employer of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is given to a company demonstrating exceptional business and people management practices.

McDonald's was the unanimous choice, besting some of the country’s most esteemed companies. The quick service restaurant (QSR) giant met the awards’ criteria for a purpose-driven organization that places its people-first philosophies, principles, and values at the core of its operations. Aside from winning top honors, McDonald’s was also recognized with the Exemplar Status for the National Capital Region.

McDonald’s President and CEO Kenneth Yang received the award during the PMAP annual conference held recently in NUSTAR, Cebu City. PMAP is the country’s premier organization for human resource practitioners and people managers.

“This recognition fuels our commitment to our purpose: lighting the way to brighter opportunities for our people and the communities we serve,” said Yang. “Though I accepted the award onstage, the honor truly belongs to the close to 1 million Filipinos who have become and are part of the McFamily.”

He added: “McDonald’s Philippines is part of a world-class brand, proudly rooted in the Filipino spirit. Today, we stand as the largest market in Southeast Asia, and the 10th largest globally. Our scale is more than a number—it’s a responsibility. It empowers us to serve communities, create opportunities, and support nation-building.”

Every new McDonald’s store translates to 80 to 100 new jobs, driven by the company’s commitment to supporting economic activity at the local and national levels and providing employment through inclusive and diverse hiring practices.

Since Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first McDonald’s store in the country in 1981, the company has upheld the practice of direct hiring and non-contractualization, setting it apart from other QSRs in the country.

Earlier this year, McDonald’s Philippines owners Dr. George T. Yang and Kenneth S. Yang secured a new-term license to operate McDonald’s in the country for the next 20 years—a strong vote of confidence for their leadership and stewardship of the brand. The new-term license also came at a time of accelerated growth, with the company opening and operating stores in virtually all provinces in the country, bringing the McDonald’s experience closer to every Filipino.

At present, McDonald’s operates over 800 stores nationwide and has a workforce of about 70,000 individuals, 70 percent of whom are working students. With the help of flexible work hours, they can continue pursuing their studies while also gaining significant work experience.

The company provides a world-class training program, on par with the global standards upheld by McDonald’s Corporation. Covering various aspects of restaurant operations and even beyond, the training allows employees to succeed not just within the company, but also in other professional fields.

Said Yang: “Since opening our first store in 1981, we’ve contributed to economic growth and have provided employment and business opportunities for our franchisees, partner suppliers, and the communities we serve. We remain committed to lighting up more Golden Arches—and more opportunities—for generations to come.”