In the bustling city of General Santos, a beacon of hope for young children stands proudly—the newest Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center. Established by the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines, with support from McDonald’s Philippines, the LGU, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this learning center is the latest addition to RMHC’s mission of promoting early childhood education and well-being for Filipino children. It brings the number of Bahay Bulilit centers across the country to 45, with plans to reach 100 by 2028.
A Place to Learn and Grow
Situated on a 150-square meter property in Purok Matinabangon, Barangay Labangal, the center caters to children ages 3 to 4, offering them a nurturing environment to learn, play, and develop essential skills. Designed to accommodate 80 to 100 children each school year, the facility is more than just a classroom. It includes areas specifically tailored for reading, creative play, and basic lessons on values and ethics, all supervised by accredited social workers and trained daycare teachers. There are also handwashing areas and separate washrooms to teach hygiene, encouraging healthy habits early on.
“Our Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers provide a safe and nurturing space for early childhood care and development, laying a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being,” said Adi Timbol-Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and RMHC Philippines Vice President. “It’s about giving children the best possible start in life.”
Supporting Education with Every Happy Meal
The journey to make the Bahay Bulilit initiative a reality is sustained by both community support and McDonald’s customers. A portion of every Happy Meal purchase contributes directly to RMHC’s programs, along with options for donations at McDonald’s stores and through their mobile app. These channels enable everyday Filipinos to be part of creating a positive impact in their communities.
In addition to funding from Happy Meals, RMHC relies on partnerships with local government units like GenSan’s LGU, which provides the property and assists with daily operations through the City Social Welfare and Development Office. This collaboration ensures that the center operates sustainably, continuously offering educational support to underserved children in the area.
A Memorable Launch for GenSan’s Bahay Bulilit
The center’s inauguration was a festive event that underscored the unity between the LGU, McDonald’s Philippines, RMHC, and the local community. General Santos City Mayor Hon. Lorelie Pacquiao, Barangay Labangal officials, and stakeholders gathered with community members, including Barangay Captain Bobby Pacquiao, to celebrate the opening of the new facility. The ribbon-cutting and center blessing were followed by a storytelling session led by Ronald McDonald himself, creating joyful memories for the attending children.
Mayor Pacquiao expressed the community’s gratitude for the initiative: “We are very thankful to RMHC and McDonald’s Philippines for collaborating with us. We hope this Bahay Bulilit will help our children thrive and grow into the bright minds of our future.”
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Education
For nearly three decades, RMHC Philippines has championed educational programs to uplift Filipino children, serving over 11,000 young minds since its establishment. Through initiatives like Bahay Bulilit, RMHC and McDonald’s continue to address the challenges of early childhood education, especially in communities with limited resources.
Beyond Bahay Bulilit, McDonald’s Philippines has contributed to education through other programs. For close to a decade, the company has actively participated in Brigada Eskwela, assisting public schools with the resources needed for the new academic year. Its innovative “Night Classroom” program also opens store party areas as studying spaces during exam season, while “McDonald’s ReClassified” upcycles decommissioned furniture into desks and tables for public schools.
As the Bahay Bulilit network expands, so does the impact of RMHC’s mission—to empower children to grow, learn, and pursue their dreams in a supportive, inspiring environment. For McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC, this is just the beginning, as they continue to build on a commitment to help Filipino children not just survive, but thrive.
