Jollibee Group, JGF, and DTI Ink Agreement to Help Upskill MSMEs

Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Jollibee Group, Jollibee Group Foundation, and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) once again joined forces for an MSME training initiative titled “Joy in Learning: MSMEs Meet and Learn.” The program is a capability-building initiative designed to upgrade, upsize, and upskill MSMEs’ business fundamentals and enhance their access to markets and supply chains.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, with Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Jollibee Global Head Joseph Tanbuntiong and JGF President Ma. Gisela Tiongson representing the company, and Secretary Cristina Roque, representing the DTI.

“Supporting MSMEs aligns closely with Jollibee Group’s commitment to inclusive growth,” shared Tanbuntiong. “It’s a way for us to carry the spirit of malasakit by helping communities grow with us and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient future for all.”
“Our MSMEs are the lifeblood of our communities, and they deserve not just encouragement—but real opportunities to thrive,” shared Secretary Roque. “Today, we are turning words into action by bringing government and industry together to uplift small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to grow.”

Joy in Learning

The MOU features a collaborative endeavor where JFC and JGF will host a half-day learning session for DTI-assisted MSMEs in July. This session will leverage JFC and JGF’s expertise to support the DTI’s mandate to promote and develop MSMEs, recognizing their crucial role in the Philippine economy.

Under the MOU, Jollibee Group and JGF will be responsible for the program design, venue, meals, and the issuance (jointly with the DTI) of certificates of participation. On its part, the DTI will identify and invite MSME participants, coordinate with Jollibee, and conduct post-learning session monitoring.

“This partnership is not only a model of public-private collaboration. It directly supports the provisions of the Republic Act 9501 or the Magna Carta for MSMEs by fostering entrepreneurship, building capacities, and creating vital linkages,” emphasized Usec. Blesila A. Lantayona of DTI-Regional Operations Group.