McDonald’s and Leo Burnett help teachers in The Philippines cope with the harsh reality of distance learning

McDonald’s in the Philippines has thrown it’s considerable weight behind child education in the country with a lovely idea that saw the opening up of their closed party restaurant areas to teachers.

The Philippines is in one of the world’s longest lockdowns. The school year opened this October to the harsh reality of distance learning. With inadequate internet coverage in the country and cramped conditions at home, teachers are struggling to make this work.

Meantime, quarantine protocols prohibit public gatherings and restrict dine-in services. So McDonald’s party rooms remain empty.

McDonald’s and Leo Burnett Group Manila transformed them into McClassroom. The party rooms became quiet, sanitized spaces for teachers to conduct virtual classes or develop teaching modules. Over 220 McClassrooms were opened all over the country to serve hundreds of teachers. This aptly coincided with National Teachers’ Month.

Each teacher who registers with participating stores can reserve a timeslot and spend up to four hours in a McClassroom. Morning and afternoon timeslots can accommodate two persons each, with teachers getting free McCafé coffee, virtual backgrounds for video calls, and use of WiFi.

VIEW THE CONCEPT

Credits
McDonald’s Philippines Team: Margot Torres, Oliver Rabatan, Fidel Balbieran, Bianca Abu, Yabs Esperancilla
Account Team: Judy Medina, Rica Medina, Ricky Santiago
Creative Team: Raoul Panes, Kat Limchoc, Roz Patino, Justine Racho, Reuben Fermin, Arjohn Yabut, Lorenzo Alajar, Hannah Magno, Ciara Baello, Gabrielle Santos, Celine Briones, Joel Libo-on
Production Company: Film Pabrika
Director: Joel Limchoc
DoP: Dix Buhay
Executive Producer: Ana Fe Manuel
Assistant Producer: Sheinna Melano
Line Producer: Lei Villena
Music: Peter Legaste, Mark Villar
Offline Editor: Jay Halili
Online Editor: Chris Cantos
Producer: Miguel De la Pena
Production Director: Christine Blando
Production Manager: Me-Ann Ballesteros
Project Manager: Rene Milla
Sound Engineer: Rico Gonzales, Daryl Reyes
Sound Studio: Hit Productions
Colourist: Auri Anden