Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines has launched its first Family Room at PCMC

“These programs would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we are building a future where families have the strength and support they need to face life’s most difficult moments.” ~Ms. Adi Timbol-Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and Vice President of RMHC Philippines

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines formally unveiled its first Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) as part of a historic commitment to offer consolation and support to families of children receiving medical care.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room, which attempts to provide a homelike atmosphere in a hospital where families may remain with their loved ones, is the first worldwide core program of RMHC worldwide, which has its headquarters in Chicago, and which RMHC Philippines embraced.

Another example of cooperation and compassion that supports RMHC's purpose to provide care, comfort, and hope to families in need is the creation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at PCMC. By developing programs and spaces that support families, ease burdens, and guarantee children receive the care and attention they require to thrive, RMHC Philippines continues to advocate for children's welfare with the help of the Department of Health (DoH), the Quezon City local government, and both domestic and international partners.

DoH Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, represented by Asec, was among the partners and government representatives who honored the occasion. Farwa Hombre, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, represented by PCMC Executive Director Dr. Sonia B. Gonzalez and Assistant City Administrator for General Affairs Atty. Rene Grapilon.

Additionally in attendance were representatives from RMHC Global, including Ms. Rachel Go, Associate Director, Field Operations – Asia, and Mr. Rodney Jordan, Chief Operating Officer. Additionally present were McDonald's Philippines executives who played a key role in the project's success: Ms. Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC Philippines; Ms. Adi Timbol-Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and Vice President of RMHC Philippines; and Ms. Margot Torres, Managing Director and RMHC Board Member.

The Family Room, which occupies a 120-square-meter lot and has a 93.5-square-meter floor area, is intended to serve as a temporary haven for PCMC patient families. In order to preserve hygiene and stop the spread of illness, it has a reception room with a handwashing station. Families can enjoy the kids' play area or relax in the lounge, which has cozy couches and a TV. In order to encourage communication and support among families, they can also utilize the special breastfeeding room, which has a diaper-changing station and a pantry with a sink and dining space. In order to ensure accessibility for all visitors, the facility also has a communal restroom that is PWD-friendly. Snacks, drinks, and hot and cold water are available for visiting families.

Families can use the Family Room's facilities for free because it is run entirely by contributions and volunteer labor and is staffed by volunteers and qualified staff. All families of PCMC outpatients under the age of eighteen are eligible. The Medical Social Worker will evaluate and suggest qualified families for entrance to the Family Room, so watchers need to have their approval.

McDonald's charity of choice, RMHC, was founded in 1996 and is a part of a global organization that works in 64 countries and is committed to providing care, comfort, and hope to underprivileged children and families. Through its influential programs, RMHC Philippines has significantly improved the lives of Filipinos for more than 29 years. These include providing disaster and crisis relief through McDonald's Kindness Kitchen, educating the public through the Read to Learn program, and creating safe spaces for families and children through programs like the recently opened Family Room and Bahay Bulilit.

McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen

Since 2020, this program has served one million hot meals to families in need across the country, providing vital support during challenging times.

Ronald McDonald Read to Learn Program

In collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), this initiative teaches beginning reading skills to Grade 1 and 2 students in public elementary schools. To date, it has benefitted over 13 million Filipino students in 11,610 schools nationwide since its launch in 2002.

Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit

In partnership with local governments and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this program offers children aged 2 to 4 a safe space to learn and play while their parents are at work.

About McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for 43 years -- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 770 stores nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.