The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC) led by Corporate Relations Vice President of McDonald’s Philippines Adi Hernandez, together with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Asin Road punong barangay Peter Dumapi and other officials, turned over the first Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit at Purok 1, Barangay Asin in Baguio City on March 12, 2025.
The newly completed 47th center, which spans 102 square meters, was built by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC) with support from McDonald’s Philippines. The 3.5M-peso project was completed in just 31 days in a lot donated by the local government.
According to Hernandez, the Bahay Bulilit project of RMHC will continue to grow while the existing 100 centers will be maintained simultaneously. “This is the first in Baguio and Cordillera, and this year, we’re targeting 10 learning centers and it will ladder to our ultimate goal of 100 learning centers by 2028,” she enthused.
With the aim to further expand the Bahay Bulilit centers across the country, RMHC partners with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the different local governments in assessing the state of needs of different communities which have significant gaps in terms of early childhood development (ECD) facilities.
“Here in the Philippines, our translation of the Ronald McDonald’s House Charities is an education facility. When we look at root cause or need ng Filipino children, it is food, education, and shelter,” Ms. Hernandez explained.
Aside from the digital infrastructure as part of their innovations, RMHC also plans on incorporating mental health, whether as a learning material or a different center, built specifically for children with mental health conditions.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Langagan, Assistant City Social Welfare and Development Officer, expressed her gratitude for the commitment of RHMC to the well-being of children. “So truly, totoong Bahay Bulilit natin is a small house but full of dreams sa mga anak natin na four years old pababa,” she furthered.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office is coordinating with the parents to facilitate early enrollment at the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit.
In Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit program, children four years old and below are taught basic skills in preparation for formal schooling. Accredited social workers and community volunteers facilitate lessons and group activities for the children to learn while playing. It aims to build learning centers in areas where they are most needed through the DSWD and local governments. By HENT
