Manila, Philippines – McDonald’s Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to improving public school classrooms across the country through its ReClassified initiative. The program repurposes decommissioned furniture from its renovated restaurants, to address the ongoing challenges faced by Filipino learners in their classrooms. By transforming materials from over 70 McDonald’s restaurant renovations each year—including still-usable chairs, tables, and steel—McDonald’s ReClassified provides durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture to public schools in need.

Rather than letting these materials go to waste, McDonald’s reimagines and repurposes them into classroom furniture that meets the specific needs of public school students. To date, McDonald’s ReClassified has distributed over 500 chairs to public schools in Isabela, Marikina, Cebu, and Sta. Rosa, benefiting 1,500 students. The program will continue to expand with an additional 250 which will be delivered to schools in Zamboanga and Agusan del Sur by the end of the year.

In an exciting new collaboration, McDonald’s has partnered with the College of Saint Benilde’s Interior and Industrial Design programs. The partnership invited students to create innovative furniture designs to be used in public schools across the Philippines. This collaboration not only provided students with the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world projects but also allowed them to make a meaningful contribution to improving education in the country. The furniture designs were showcased at the Main Activity Center of Ayala Malls Manila Bay on November 25, 2024. Notable designs included a chair by Willie Garcia from Junknot, a design expert in transforming waste into functional furniture, as well as three finalists from the ReClassified Student Competition.

According to Adi Hernandez, AVP for Corporate Relations and Impact at McDonald’s Philippines, the company is excited about the potential impact of the new designs. “We are proud of the furniture created by these talented and passionate Industrial Design and Interior Design students from CSB. Their creativity and passion have resulted in pieces that we’re confident will help improve the learning environment of students in our public schools. We look forward to rolling out these designs across more schools in the country and will continue to work on making a positive difference in public education together with organizations that share our goals and commitment,” Hernandez shared.

McDonald’s ReClassified is a program with a clear mission: to enhance the learning experience for students in public schools by providing them with the furniture they need and creating better classroom environments. By repurposing decommissioned restaurant furniture and partnering with creative design professionals, McDonald’s is giving new life to old materials, turning them into valuable educational tools.

The company’s efforts are not only making a difference in the lives of students but are also encouraging other companies to adopt similar sustainable, community-driven initiatives. McDonald’s hopes that this innovative approach to furniture design and waste reduction will inspire other organizations to contribute to improving public education in the Philippines.
Through ReClassified, McDonald’s is proud to play a part in creating more inviting and functional classrooms for the country’s students, proving that even the smallest efforts can make a big impact in shaping a better future for the next generation.

Affordable sportswear with quality

TACLOBAN CITY – Anta, a leading China-based sports brand, has launched its first and largest superstore in the Philippines, bringing affordable yet high-quality sportswear to Tacloban.

Located on the first level of Robinsons Place Annex Building, the 590-square-meter store offers an extensive range of basketball and running shoes, casual wear, and lifestyle apparel.

Anta Philippines General Manager John Paul Paglinawan highlighted the brand’s commitment to providing stylish and budget-friendly products.

“We aim to make sports accessible to everyone, especially the youth, by offering quality apparel and footwear at competitive prices. This is our answer to the clamor of Eastern Visayas consumers who have long wanted Anta products to be within reach,” Paglinawan said during the store’s opening on Nov. 24.

Paglinawan emphasized that Tacloban’s Anta Superstore offers prices lower than those in other Anta outlets across the country, thanks to its large store size and high product volume.

“Our superstore is different. Here, customers will find a wide selection of everyday casual wear alongside performance-oriented sportswear,” he added.

The store also features exclusive collections, focusing on casual basics, lifestyle apparel, and sports gear for both adults and kids, catering to athletes and non-athletes alike.
With prices ranging from P8,000 to P12,000 for limited edition items, the store ensures options for every budget, offering a diverse selection that appeals to various preferences and needs.

Paglinawan sees the store as a game-changer for Tacloban and the region. “We hope to inspire the youth and the community to unleash their true potential through sports and an active lifestyle,” he shared.

Anta’s Tacloban superstore is expected to serve not only the city but also surrounding areas in Leyte, marking a significant milestone in making premium sportswear more accessible to the Eastern Visayas market.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) successfully completes the major rehabilitation of a drainage system in Marinduque and Maguindanao Streets, Brgy. 91, Abucay, Tacloban City, on September 12, 2024.

This P4.8-million project, funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act, aimed to mitigate flooding risks caused by heavy rainfall. It involved the construction of a 544-lineal meter lined canal, a catch basin, the restoration of concrete pavement, and the installation of reinforced concrete pipe culverts (RCPC). These measures were designed to improve water flow efficiency and prevent water accumulation.

Brgy. 91, Abucay, is a community surrounded by houses, making effective drainage critical for flood mitigation. Poor drainage during heavy rains can lead to waterlogging, which poses risks such as damage to homes, health hazards from stagnant water, and disruptions to daily life. The improved drainage system ensures rainwater is efficiently directed away from residential zones, significantly reducing these risks.

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse shared the benefits of the completed project, saying, “Enhancing the drainage system in Brgy. 91 is important to protect the community from floods. This project will help control rainwater, protect homes, prevent damage, and make life safer and better for everyone.”

The enhanced drainage system is expected to contribute to the long-term resilience of the area, providing residents with a safer and more secure environment, even during periods of heavy rainfall.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)