Jollibee Group champions sustainability through volunteerism

Editor’s note: This press release is sponsored by Jollibee and was handled by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the publishing of this piece.

The Jollibee Group strengthened its commitment to sustainability and volunteerism by taking part in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day last September 20 and leading a separate tree-planting activity to protect the environment further.

Anchored by Jollibee Group Foundation, a total of 220 employee volunteers from across the Group’s brands and functions participated in both activities. For the activity at SM by The Bay, 108 volunteers contributed 540 volunteer hours to help clean up coastal and community areas. Representatives from the brands Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, Tiong Bahru Bakery, and other units such as Jollibee Worldwide Services, Manufacturing & Logistics, Global, and Region Functions participated in the activity.

Together, the group collected 546 kilograms of waste, helping reduce pollution and protect marine ecosystems.

In addition to the coastal cleanup, the Jollibee Group supported the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s (LLDA) Tree-Planting Activity last September 30 in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The initiative brought together 112 volunteers who contributed an additional 560 hours of service, representing employees from the brands Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, Tiong Bahru Bakery, and other units such as Jollibee Worldwide Services, Manufacturing & Logistics, Global, and Region Functions.

Notably, 27% of participants came from franchisee store teams, underscoring the shared commitment of employees and franchisees to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

“Our employees’ volunteer spirit is at the heart of our sustainability journey. Through efforts like the coastal cleanup and mangrove planting, we are not only protecting the environment but also inspiring hope for a greener, cleaner future for generations to come,” said Jollibee Group Foundation president Gisela Tiongson.

Harnessing volunteerism for a greener future

Employees shared positive feedback on the activity, citing its impact on the environment and themselves. It fostered a sense of teamwork, joy, and fulfillment while strengthening the leadership presence. “These initiatives reflect how we, as one Jollibee Group, come together to care for the environment while living out our company values,” added Jollibee Group Philippines’ chief human resources officer Ruth Angeles. “That every action, big or small, contributes to building a sustainable future—anchored on our vision of growing as a global company that brings joy while caring for people and the planet.”

Building on previous efforts

These environmental efforts contribute to the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, under its Planet pillar, which emphasizes environmental responsibility. It also builds on previous volunteer-driven initiatives such as the company’s mangrove reforestation project, which engaged employees in planting and nurturing mangroves to restore coastal ecosystems.

These initiatives reflect how Jollibee Group employees and franchisees are putting the company’s Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda into action—creating positive impact that goes beyond business. With clear targets that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Joy for Tomorrow guides the company’s efforts to build communities, protect the environment, and shape a more sustainable future. – Rappler.com