Manila, Philippines — McDonald’s Philippines proudly celebrates 44 years of serving Filipinos by honoring its roots at the very first McDonald’s store in the country, located on Morayta Street, Manila.

On October 28, a commemorative marker was unveiled at McDonald’s Morayta, led by McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang. The event paid tribute to the legacy of the brand’s humble beginnings and its enduring impact on generations of Filipinos.

“When I brought McDonald’s to the Philippines, I initially envisioned opening 10 branches,” shared Dr. George T. Yang. “Forty-four years later, the Philippines now ranks among the top 10 McDonald’s markets globally, with over 800 stores nationwide. That’s why McDonald’s Morayta deserves the spotlight—it’s where it all began.”

A Legacy Rooted in Community and Opportunity

Nestled in the heart of Manila’s University Belt, McDonald’s Morayta has long been a favorite among students, families, and professionals. The commemorative marker stands as a symbol of the store’s rich history and the countless memories made within its walls.

To celebrate this milestone, McDonald’s hosted a McDo Party for over 40 children from the Manila Child Development Center, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and inclusive celebrations.

Dr. Yang also reflected on the store’s role in empowering youth:

“McDonald’s Morayta welcomed our first batch of working students—young individuals eager to gain experience while pursuing their education. Today, 70% of our workforce are working students, and our support for them remains unwavering.”

From One Store to Over 800: A Filipino-Owned Success Story

Since opening in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines has achieved several key milestones. In 2005, it became 100% Filipino-owned, and earlier this year, Dr. Yang secured a 20-year license renewal to operate McDonald’s in the country, underscoring the brand’s strong leadership and continued growth.

“We continue to build on the exceptional McDonald’s experience that our customers know and love,” said Kenneth Yang. “With our passion for excellence and strong values, we ensure consistent quality and service across all our 800+ stores.”

Investing in People and Purpose

McDonald’s Philippines stands out in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry by practicing direct hiring and non-contractual employment since day one. With a workforce of over 70,000 employees, the company offers world-class training and development, fostering career growth and job security.

This year, McDonald’s Philippines was named Employer of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines, a testament to its commitment to talent development and employee welfare.

Beyond employment, McDonald’s continues to make a difference through its Green & Good sustainability platform and Ronald McDonald House Charities, driving positive change in communities nationwide.

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