Naval, Biliran — The landmark opening of the 50th Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Naval, Biliran is a major milestone in McDonald’s Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC) continuing dedication to serving and caring for children, particularly in leveling up access to early childhood care and development in the country.
Along with the people of Biliran, McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC gathered together on August 16 to celebrate the unveiling of this milestone learning center, located in Barangay Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.
As the 50th Bahay Bulilit, Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Biliran is made even more special with colorful interiors, a playground, solar panels donated by RH Solar to help power the space, and a vibrant mural by local artist Niño Torcuator. The mural depicts children’s imagination, learning, and play, woven with symbols of Biliran’s culture and history. Like all other Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, it also has a dedicated learning area, a reading corner, a washroom, and is well-stocked with books—ready to serve up to 100 children each school year.
The turnover celebration of Bahay Bulilit Biliran was just as special as the facility itself. Representatives from the local government, McDonald’s Philippines, RMHC, partner organizations like RH Solar and Coca-Cola Philippines, volunteers, and other guests came together to celebrate—not just with the children who will soon use the facility and their parents, but with families from the surrounding community. The day was filled with activities and entertainment for all ages, capped off with McDonald’s meals that brought everyone together in the spirit of giving every child a safe place to learn and play.
Leading the celebration were officials from the Municipality of Naval, Biliran led by Gretchen Espina, Mayor of Naval; Nick Arthur Parilla, Vice Mayor of Naval; Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director and RMHC Board Member; Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and RMHC Vice President; Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC; Jan Albert Saulan, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer; and other partners and supporters.
To make the day even more memorable, Kindergarten Educator Jess Placencia, a passionate advocate for early childhood learning and content creator, was invited to tell stories, join in the fun, and inspire the children of Naval, Biliran.
“The turnover of the 50th Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit is a testament to what we can achieve when different sectors work together,” Hernandez said. “We are especially grateful for the leadership and support of the local government, which prioritizes the care, protection, and welfare of children. This milestone is worth celebrating, but our work doesn’t stop here. The need for access to education for many young Filipinos remains, and so does our commitment. Together, we can reach and help even more children in the years to come.”
The Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit is one of McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC’s longest-running programs for children. Since building the first center in 2002, Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers across the country have been supporting the learning needs of children as they prepare to enter kindergarten and grade school. Collectively, all 50 operating Bahay Bulilit centers can serve as many as 5,000 children each year.
For more information on RMHC’s programs and how you can help, visit its official website rmhc.org.ph and the online donation portal at rmhc.org.ph/donate/.
For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X.
