McDonald’s Philippines earns Employer of the Year recognition
McDonald’s president and CEO Kenneth Yang (center) holds the Employer of the Year plaque conferred by the People Management Association of the Philippines during the 2025 PMAP Awards at the NUSTAR, in Cebu City. PMAP is the country’s premier organization for human resource practitioners and people managers.
Photograph courtesy of McDonald’s
McDonald’s Philippines has been named Employer of the Year at the 2025 People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Awards, earning top honors for its exceptional people management and business practices.
The award ceremony, held at the NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu City during the PMAP Annual Conference from 22–24 October, saw the quick service restaurant (QSR) giant best several of the country’s most respected corporations.
People-first principles
PMAP cited McDonald’s as a purpose-driven organization that places its people-first principles and values at the heart of its operations. The company was also conferred Exemplar Status for the National Capital Region.
McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang accepted the award on behalf of the company. “This recognition fuels our commitment to our purpose: lighting the way to brighter opportunities for our people and the communities we serve,” Yang said.
“Though I accepted the award onstage, the honor truly belongs to close to 1 million Filipinos who have become and are part of the McFamily.”
Largest market in SEA, 10th largest globally
Yang underscored the company’s presence in the Southeast Asian market. “McDonald’s Philippines is part of a world-class brand, proudly rooted in the Filipino spirit. Today, we stand as the largest market in Southeast Asia, and the 10th largest globally. Our scale is more than a number — it’s a responsibility. It empowers us to serve communities, create opportunities, and support nation building,” he added.
McDonald’s Philippines currently operates in nearly every province nationwide, with each new store creating 80 to 100 jobs, reflecting its commitment to inclusive hiring and sustained economic activity.
Since Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first store in 1981, the company has maintained direct hiring and non-contractual employment practices, setting it apart within the fast-food industry.
20-year license renewal
Earlier this year, Dr. Yang and Kenneth Yang secured a 20-year license renewal to operate McDonald’s in the Philippines—an endorsement of their leadership and stewardship of the global brand.
The renewal comes amid accelerated nationwide expansion, further cementing McDonald’s position as a major employer and growth driver in the Philippine QSR sector.