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Embracing diversity, recognizing abilities

Eighteen-year-old Joemel Bernard Arroyo, fondly called by family and friends “Jeb” or “JB”, was excited as he reported for his first day as a dining crew of Jollibee Capitol Central branch in Bacolod City. Arriving over 30 minutes early, his enthusiasm was very evident. His mother, Wendy, who had escorted him to Ayala Capitol Central that Friday morning, could barely keep up with his brisk pace as he made his way to work. Upon entering, Jeb or JB, greeted everyone with “Good morning!” and eagerly asked his manager, “Can I start working?”

JB wore a white polo with a collar, black slacks and a red cap with the jolly face of a popular red bee. Manong AJ was always at his side giving him instructions and guiding him as he went about his tasks. He was so focused.

The young man did not want to be distracted as he meticulously wiped every table and fixed every chair that was messy and disarranged. He was quick to greet customers with “Good morning!” and always ready to assist them. He never left a table messy. He made sure it was always squeaky clean.

JB’s first day at work as a dining crew of Jollibee Ayala Capitol Central Branch. He never leaves a table, chair or counter messy.*

JB is atypical. He is on the autism spectrum. Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often thought of by many as individuals who are incapable of having fulfilling and independent lives. But those on the spectrum are highly-focused and detail-oriented. These are among their superpowers. That is why they often develop mastery quickly.

“JB is eager to learn and so he was able to absorb the tasks of a dining crew fast,” said Gesila Diane Sumcio, managing director for Jollibee and Greenwich Ponce Group Food Division.

JB is the pioneer employee with special needs to have been directly hired by the Jollibee Ponce Group Food Division under the JolliJOBS Program. He is living proof that persons on the spectrum when given the right support and accommodation, can lead productive and meaningful lives.

Sumcio conceptualized JolliJOBS with Anne Marie Makilan, president of Happy Beginners School of Learning, and Dr. Mark Anthony Talatala, a behavioral pediatrician and a staunch supporter of initiatives for children with special needs. JOBS in JolliJOBS stands for Job Opportunities for the Betterment of individuals with Special needs.

JB Arroyo, pioneer employee with special needs hired under the JolliJOBS program which is a collaboration of Jollibee Ponce Group Food Division, Happy Beginners School of Learning and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Bacolod. JB is flanked by Marigold Ponce-Tangco, Food Division Ponce Group Franchisee and Ang Banwahamon Awardee, and branch managers of Jollibee warmly welcomed JB to their family during the launch of JolliJOBS on July 17.*
JB with two of the brains behind JolliJOBS: Anne Marie Makilan, HBSL President, and Dr. Mark Anthony Talatala, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, and JB’s classmates in the Pure Abilities Program of HBSL who are also being trained and prepared for possible hiring thru JolliJOBS.*

JolliJOBS was launched on Wednesday, July 17, a day that was both joyous and emotional. Parents of children with special needs, Special Education teachers, and various sectors supporting these causes witnessed a bold step taken by concerned individuals and organizations that aim to open doors for people like JB to be employed. JB’s mother was emotional as she admitted that she had been waiting for the day when her son would be welcomed by a company not just as an employee but as a member of their family.

“Jeb was diagnosed with ASD when he was three years old. When he reached his teens, it was recommended that he enroll in a Transition Program to improve his behavior and life skills. I was very happy to see his improvement when he was studying at Happy Beginners because he was able to perform a variety of chores at home, school, the office, the bakery, and the refilling station. Thanks to his cooking, baking, painting, and other life skills, he had always wanted to experience what it is like to work. My greatest gratitude to everyone who made Jeb’s dream come true. I hope many companies will also open their doors,” said Arroyo.

Anne Marie Makilan, president of HBSL, was as emotional as every parent who witnessed JolliJOBS’ launch.

“Whenever I am asked what my dream is for these children, my answer is always the same: children with special needs are born to be entrepreneurs because I fear they may be bullied by those around them. I only desire for my son to be in a friendly, loving environment, for our son to be accepted by society, and for our children to be productive individuals. As Temple Grandin said, ‘Let us not focus on the disability but on the abilities of our children,’” said Makilan, pausing between sentences to wipe her tears.

Makilan’s son, Gab, has a global developmental delay. His condition prompted her to establish a school that provides early intervention, special education, and genuine care and support for children with special needs. A program like JolliJOBS has been her longtime dream. She and Dr. Mark Anthony Talatala have been advocating for this cause, bringing together parents and various sectors to collaborate for the common good of these once-marginalized individuals.

Dr. Janalyn Navarro of DepEd telling parents of individuals with special needs, SPED educators and advocates that the collaboration was meant to happen because it is a noble cause that needs the support of all sectors.*
Cooking and serving customers are not new to JB. In the photo is 12-year-old JB frying an egg. He learned life skills while studying in HBSL. He also knows how to plate food before serving it to customers.*

JolliJOBS is a collaboration of the Ponce Group Food Division’s philanthropic arm, the Goldhearts Club, Happy Beginners School of Learning, the Department of Education and the local government of Bacolod City through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). This pioneering initiative aims to integrate persons with special needs into the workforce underscoring Jollibee’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Marigold Ponce-Tangco, 2024 Ang Banwahanon Awardee and Ponce Group Food Division Franchisee, hopes that through JolliJOBS, a new standard will be set in corporate social responsibility within the industry.

“Finally, we were able to do this. Sakto gid na ang ginahambal nila nga ‘In God’s time’. I thought that this journey would be for Ponce Group lang but we were blessed that Jollibee Foods Corporation joined us. So it is stronger and better because there will be more opportunities. I am very blessed that we are the beginning, just as well as you are a happy beginning. We welcome you to be part of our family,” Ponce-Tangco said.

Dr. Talatala also presented other students under the Pure Abilities Program of HBSL in Bacolod and Bago Cities who are also being trained to follow the footsteps of JB.

“We truly need the help of groups, individuals who are also as passionate in giving a simple yet functional life for them. We will be training them in accordance with the standards of the Jollibee group as much as we can. But rest assured that they are well trained,” said Talatala.

The management of the Jollibee Ayala branch was impressed with JB’s performance.

“Seeing him on his first day of work affirmed our move towards creating JolliJOBS. I won’t be surprised if JB becomes a regular employee after 6 months. He is a welcome part of our team in Jollibee Ayala,” said Sumcio.

The transformative and empowering impact of providing opportunities for individuals with special needs cannot be overstated. When these individuals are not only given the chance to work but are also welcomed into mainstream society as gifted, skilled, and productive members, it fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth. Programs like JolliJOBS highlight the incredible potential within this community and challenge societal perceptions. By embracing diversity and recognizing the unique talents of every individual, we pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.*

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