Eighteen out-of-school youth from Cebu have completed a food service training program under the Jollibee Group Foundation Inc.’s (JGF) Access, Curriculum, and Employability (ACE) Scholarship Program, boosting their chances of securing employment in the food and beverage industry.
The training initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and Primary Structures Educational Foundation, Inc. – School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service (PSEFI-SKILLS), prepared participants for frontline roles in Jollibee, Chowking, and Greenwich stores in Cebu.
“We celebrate the achievement of our 18 scholars, who have shown remarkable determination to learn during their six-month exposure,” said Ruth Angeles, JFC Philippines Chief Human Resources Officer and Jollibee International HR Head. “As a global restaurant company with proudly Filipino roots, we will continue to do our part to provide more opportunities for the youth to gain meaningful employment.”
Among the scholars was 19-year-old Charlene Revelleza, who had previously worked in a laundry service after facing repeated rejections from various employers. Upon learning about the ACE Scholarship Program, she immediately applied.
“Even if I was earning money doing laundry, I did not pass on the opportunity to be an ACE Scholar. It is a good opportunity for us to have food and beverage training, and to have hands-on experience at Jollibee,” Revelleza said.
The program provided both classroom and practical training, including exposure to customer service, food handling, and store operations. Participants also completed the Food and Beverage Services National Certificate (NC II) qualification and an Inventory Management Module, facilitated by PSEFI-SKILLS.
“Thanks to this opportunity, I can begin to achieve my dreams for both myself and my family,” Revelleza added.
“We are glad to participate in this multi-sectoral effort to address youth unemployment through our ACE Scholarship Program,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation Inc. “By investing in the youth, we are not only helping them secure a brighter future but also empowering the next generation to be the leaders of our country.”
PSEFI-SKILLS President and COO Paulette D. Liu also underscored the importance of partnerships between technical vocational schools and industry players.
“Partnerships between technical vocational schools and companies such as the Jollibee Group are vital to equipping the youth with the skills and experience they need to secure meaningful employment,” she said.
Cebu Lifestyle Channel