McDonald’s Philippines celebrated its 44th anniversary by honoring the legacy of its first-ever store on Morayta Street, Manila, with a commemorative marker unveiled on October 28.
The ceremony was led by McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, paying tribute to Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang, who brought the brand to the country in 1981.
Nestled in the heart of Manila’s University Belt, McDonald’s Morayta has long been a gathering place for students, families, and workers. The new marker celebrates decades of shared memories and community connection.
Giving Back to the Community
To mark the occasion, McDonald’s hosted a joyful McDo Party for over 40 children from the Manila Child Development Center—reinforcing its commitment to community engagement.
Where It All Began
“When I brought McDonald’s to the Philippines, I envisioned 10 stores,” said Dr. Yang. “Today, we have over 800, and the Philippines ranks among McDonald’s top 10 global markets. Morayta is where it all started—and where our focus on customer experience began.”
Dr. Yang also recalled how Morayta welcomed the first batch of working students, a tradition that continues today with 70% of McDonald’s workforce made up of student-employees.
Proudly Filipino-Owned
Since becoming 100% Filipino-owned in 2005, McDonald’s Philippines has expanded nationwide. Earlier this year, Dr. Yang secured a 20-year license renewal, signaling confidence in the company’s leadership and growth.
Built on Values and Excellence
Kenneth Yang emphasized McDonald’s commitment to quality and consistency: “Our customers can expect the same great food and service in any of our 800+ stores nationwide.”
Championing Local Talent
McDonald’s remains the only quick service restaurant in the country to practice direct hiring. With over 70,000 employees, the company offers job security and career development through world-class training. This year, it was named Employer of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines.
Driving Positive Impact
Beyond business, McDonald’s continues to invest in sustainability through its Green & Good platform and supports communities via Ronald McDonald House Charities.
