Serving happiness and inspiration
Credit to Author: MAAN D’ASIS PAMARAN| Date: Sat, 29 Jun 2019 18:06:12 +0000
The McDonald’s Philippines chairman built a burger business with a heart by giving back through his advocacies
It took seven years for intrepid entrepreneur George Yang to bring the Golden Arches to the Philippines. In 1974, he wrote to McDonald’s headquarters in the US, expressing interest in opening a local franchise, and all the back and forth correspondence with the American executives (some even just a simple ‘hello’ from Mr. Yang to remind them of his mission) has resulted in the first McDonald’s outlet in Morayta, Manila in September 1981.
Even without the clout of social media back then, there was so much fanfare at the fast-food store’s opening that lines spilled out from the small restaurant into the streets. Shortly thereafter, another branch opened at Cubao’s iconic New Frontier Theater.
Today, McDonald’s is part of the casual dining culture in the Philippines where a whole generation of Titos and Titas who are now enjoying the 24-hour delivery that the company has pioneered in the country can also fondly share memories of romping through the McDonald’s Playplace.
The company’s success is a testament to Yang’s tenacity, where he even trained in Hong Kong as a crew member while waiting for the franchise approval. He did regular crew work, including bussing tables and cleaning the restrooms before being promoted to restaurant manager.
Working policies
Perhaps owing to his own experience behind the counter, Yang has a soft spot and a firm hiring policy for his employees. Ever since he opened the first McDonald’s in the Philippines in 1981, he has abided by a direct-hiring policy—all employees across the ranks are regular employees. It is because of Yang’s firm decision on the policy that the company never practices contractualization.
It was also through Yang that the concept of part-time work for students was introduced in the country. Through McDonald’s Philippines, thousands of employees go through world- class training — the same standard of excellence is upheld in the country, similar to that around the globe. To date, McDonald’s boasts of over 60,000 employees across the country.
Child support
In terms of corporate social responsibility, Yang also established the Philippine chapter of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in 1995 which has since made a positive impact in the lives of over 14 million Filipinos since then.
Said organization aims to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children through education, shelter and happiness through its programs: Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit, Ronald McDonald Read to Learn, and Ronald McDonald Bigay Tulong.
As of last count, there have been over 12 million schoolchildren in the Philippines from over 9,800 schools who have benefitted from the company-supported beginning reading program.
Meanwhile, over 32 Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers have been established, providing Filipino children ages two to five a venue where they could jumpstart their learning journey in a safe and conducive environment. Ronald McDonald Bigay Tulong has been able to provide immediate support over 2.7 million Filipinos who have been affected by disasters.
As for the older youth sector, Mcdonald’s has a Work Immersion Program in place for Jose Rizal University students where they receive training in the field of restaurant operations through a combination of classroom and on-the-field curriculum at McDonald’s. He has likewise established an internship program and turned over three new classrooms in the Hotel & Restaurant Management (HRM) wing in the school.
For his significant contribution in boosting local employment, and his education advocacy., Yang was conferred by José Rizal University with a degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa.
Arts advocate
What many do not know about the usually-reticent businessman is that he is into classical music – in a big way. Yang has been known to sing solos of his favourite pieces, enthralling his audiences with a talent that he did not discover until he was way into his retirement years. He was already in his 60s when he discovered he that had a talent for singing, and after dabbling in Broadway songs, he pursued classical singing with a passion even to the point of studying under vocal coaches.
This led Yang in turn to establish the Klassikal Music Foundation (KMF) in 2007. It is the country’s premiere organization which provides scholarship to talented Filipino students who aim to develop their skills in classical music. Klassikal Music Foundation has already supported over 60 scholars, with some gaining recognition in the international scene. Aside from financial grants, the foundation also provides scholars opportunities to undergo master classes led by some of the country’s best classical music talents. One of the KMF’s popular scholars is Gerphil Flores who was a runner-up in the Asia’s Got Talent competition.
Just last year, the indefatigable business leader became involved in setting up the De La Salle University Manila Performing Arts Studios.
Yang was recognized by the University for his donation of three performing arts studios in the Enrique Razon Sports Complex (ESRC) for three student organizations from the University, namely: DLSU Chorale, the premiere chorale group of the University, Innersoul, the university’s contemporary singing group, and the La Salle Dance Company (LSDC), the University’s multi-awarded dance troupe.
The three George T. Yang Performing Arts Studios will serve as the dedicated venues for the performing groups where they can train and rehearse for the competitions they regularly join and the various events they are invited to.
Inspiring others
Through the decades-long journey of McDonald’s in the country, which has played a major part in developing the fast-food industry, there is a continuing spirit of innovation that pays homage to Mr. Yang’s entrepreneurial acumen.
In its first NXTGN store at the Bonifacio Global City which has futuristic self-ordering kiosks, this contribution is immortalized in a plaque of golden fries, with an inspirational quote from the “Yang-at-heart” corporate leader that reads: “Have a vision, work hard, be persistent and have the determination to make it come true.”
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