Jollibee, DepEd to develop SHS food service curriculum, build 50 classrooms

The Jollibee Group has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to co-develop a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) curriculum aimed at equipping Senior High School (SHS) students with industry-relevant skills and to build new classrooms by 2028.

For DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, the partnership with the Jollibee Group is a strong example of how public-private cooperation can bring industry-relevant learning into the classroom.

“At a time when AI (artificial intelligence) and tech disruption are reshaping industries and jobs, this collaboration gives our learners not only the right skills but also the resilience to thrive,” said Angara, emphasizing the importance of industry partnerships in education.

The QSR curriculum will be piloted in schools nationwide under the SHS Technical Professional (TechPro) track, designed to integrate classroom-based instruction with immersive on-the-job training across Jollibee Group brands.

To help prepare students for jobs in the food service industry, they will be trained restaurant operations skills like food preparation, customer service, safety and sanitation, and business communication.

“We believe in creating more pathways for young Filipinos to achieve meaningful employment. By investing in their skills early on, we also help raise the standards of service in the QSR sector,” said Jollibee Group Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer Ruth Angeles, noting that the initiative will help bridge the gap between school and employment.

The Jollibee Group said the work immersion component of the QSR curriculum will roll out in the upcoming school year, with pilot sessions set to guide refinements and a possible expansion.

“I have always believed that education opens doors – lifting up individuals, families and entire communities. But in many parts of the country, teachers and students continue to face challenges that can make learning more difficult. And then there’s the gap between school and work that leaves many students underprepared for employment,” said Jollibee Group Philippines Chief Executive Officer Joseph Tanbuntiong.

Aside from the food service curriculum, the group also committed to building 50 classrooms by 2028 in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

“The commitment to build 50 new classrooms by 2028 also shows how this partnership invests in both knowledge and space, ensuring that more Filipino students are equipped for the future of work,” the education secretary added.

New classroom construction is set to begin in 2026, starting with six in Mindoro, Cebu, and Sarangani.