By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) in Manila will soon have a chance to work at McDonald’s, an American fast-food chain.
The city government of Manila entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the personnel provider of McDonald’s for the implementation of a program that would provide jobs for senior citizens and PWDs.
The agreement was signed last March 12 by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and J&F Food Corporation Training Consultant Sofia Loriega, with Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marlon Lacson as witnesses, and Manila’s public employment service office head Fernan Bermejo in attendance.
In a statement on Monday, Lacuna said the program aims to re-integrate the senior citizens and PWDs as “productive members of society.”
Under the MOA, three senior citizens or PWDs will be hired per outlet of McDonald’s located within the city of Manila, and those qualified will undergo the necessary training.
There are 50 outlets located in the capital.
She said those who will be hired will be working for not more than four hours per day, with shifts either in the morning or afternoon, and shall also be entitled to 13th-month pay, service incentive leaves, and company group insurance.
The available positions are for order presenters, drink drawers, table managers, and guest relations staff.
To further assist the program beneficiaries, Lacuna said she requested the Manila Police to waive police clearance fees and establish courtesy lanes for seniors and PWDs applying for such clearances, for seniors and PWDs applying for jobs under the MOA.
At the same time, Lacuna noted that all medical requirements will be shouldered by the Mayor’s Office, along with the “Fit To Work” medical certifications, physical and medical exams, and laboratory tests.
Those interested, she said, may check the Public Employment Service Office – City of Manila’s Facebook page.
In a separate statement, Senior Citizen Partylist Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes lauded the city’s program that provides job opportunities for senior citizens and PWDs.
“Muling pinatutunayan ng nasabing MOA, na ang Maynila ay isang Capital City of Equal Opportunity sa Pilipinas. Kasama ko si Mayor Honey Lacuna sa pagpupuri sa McDonald’s sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mga kwalipikadong senior citizens, iba pang nakatatanda, at mga PWDs,” said the chairman of the House Committee on Senior Citizens.
He also lauded Shakey’s, Sarisuki, and KFC for implementing anti-discrimination policies in their companies.
