DAVAO CITY — In a heartwarming initiative that champions inclusion and dignity in the workplace, a total of 276 senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) have been hired by major food chains in partnership with the City Government of Davao — giving them renewed purpose and recognition as valuable members of society.
According to Lilibeth Pantinople, Manager of the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the employment of the seniors and PWDs was the result of a special job fair held on September 23–24, 2025, which matched applicants to partner establishments ready to open their doors to them.
The Jollibee Group led the way, hiring 125 senior citizens and 63 PWDs, who are being deployed in batches across 21 of its stores, including Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King. Meanwhile, McDonald’s also came forward to provide employment to 88 senior citizens, assigning them to its 18 stores throughout the city.
Pantinople said the city government ensured that no applicant was left behind during the process.
“We facilitated the recruitment in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office. We conducted a two-day job fair and assisted them in completing their requirements, including medical certificates, police clearances, and occupational permits,” she explained.
To further ease the burden, Acting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte personally shouldered the fees for the required documents, a gesture that reflects the local government’s commitment to supporting its senior citizens and PWDs.
Under the employment scheme, senior citizens will work part-time for four hours a day, while PWDs are given full-day schedules. Each of them has been offered a three-month employment contract, with PESO Davao continuing to monitor their deployment and welfare.
A Step Toward Inclusion and Dignity
This initiative goes beyond providing income — it restores confidence and purpose to people who often feel left out of the workforce due to age or physical challenges. For many of these seniors, the opportunity to serve customers once again makes them feel valued and capable.
Employment gives them not just a livelihood, but also a sense of belonging. It sends a clear message that being a senior citizen or a PWD does not mean the end of productivity. Instead, it reaffirms that everyone, regardless of age or ability, has something meaningful to contribute to the community.
Programs like this foster intergenerational understanding and demonstrate that inclusivity benefits both employees and employers. Seniors and PWDs bring with them years of experience, patience, and empathy—qualities that enrich customer service and inspire younger workers.
As Davao City leads the way in inclusive employment, this partnership between government and private businesses stands as a model worth emulating nationwide—one that upholds dignity, promotes equality, and reminds everyone that no one is ever too old or too different to make a difference.