Shakey's Pizza: Creating Opportunities, Empowering Abilities

In May 2025, Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI|PSE:PIZZA), one of the Philippines leading food service players, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Quezon City government creating job opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities at the Group’s company-owned Shakey’s restaurants in the area. This milestone effectively renews the Group’s commitment to inclusivity through promoting equal employment for diverse members of society in the communities where its stores operate.

​The Group and the city government sealed the collaboration with the signing of the MOA, led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, SPAVI National Operations Director Carlos Robles III, and SPAVI Chief Human Resource Officer Marielle Santos. Social Services Development Department (SSDD) Head Carolina Patalinghog, Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Debbie Dacanay, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Head Batoy Reyes, and Novaliches District Hospital OIC Dr. Luzviminda Kwong were also there to witness the signing.

Mayor Joy Belmonte shared, “We are excited to partner with SPAVI and provide both senior and PWD QCitizens with a chance to work. Here at QC, we believe everyone should have an opportunity to build a better life through respectable livelihoods. We’re glad that we can collaborate with SPAVI to work towards this shared goal.”

Quezon City marks the 5th city where SPAVI worked with local governments through its inclusive hiring program. Since the signing of the MOA, they have started to make the necessary arrangements for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to work as store staff members. To ensure they are fit for work, they will undergo a health check-up and assessment at the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD).

As Shakey’s reaches its 50th year anniversary this 2025, the chain also reinforces its commitment to create positive social impact through the Group’s hallmark program, Love ‘Em Down.

In partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), Shakey’s supports individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) through inclusive hiring and community engagement initiatives. Earlier this year, Shakey’s held its inaugural Pizza and Smiles and supported DSAPI’s Happy Walk.

On World Down Syndrome Day last March 21, 2025, 45 children with DS were able to express themselves, build confidence, and make friendly connections through Pizza and Smiles – a hands-on pizza-making and designing activity facilitated by the Group’s employees. The Group capped off the month with participating in DSAPI’s annual event, Happy Walk, where SPAVI employee-volunteers and their families enjoyed festivities with DSAPI members from meet-and-greet with mascots to special performances. During the event, SPAVI served pizza to volunteers and provided balloons and toy cranes.

Both events showed the Group’s appreciation for its long-standing partnership with DSAPI, their role in amplifying the Group’s inclusivity agenda, and for being a part of Shakey’s 50-year journey. These not only raised awareness about DS but also enabled DSAPI members with DS, their families, and SPAVI employees to enjoy and get creative in a safe and inclusive environment.

Vic Gregorio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SPAVI, shares, “At heart of it all, we are a people business, and that means cultivating an organization where diverse talents and abilities are not only valued but also harnessed, such that everyone has a chance to contribute. With inclusive hiring and Love ‘Em Down, we aspire to make a meaningful difference in their lives and hopefully extend this impact to their families. Our hope is that these efforts will inspire other companies to follow suit in promoting a more inclusive society.”

To advance SPAVI’s dedication to inclusivity, the Group will continue its partnership with DSAPI and local governments by providing these individuals with more than just sources of income, but also opportunities to 261 senior citizens and people with disabilities over the years.

Since launching Love ‘Em Down in 2018 and the inclusive hiring program in 2023, SPAVI has empowered a total of 58 individuals with Down Syndrome and provided work opportunities to 261 senior citizens and people with disabilities over the years.