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

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines today formally unveiled its first Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC), a historic endeavor aimed at offering comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is RMHC Global's first global core program, headquartered in Chicago, which RMHC Philippines has accepted. Its goal is to provide a home-like setting within a hospital so families may stay near to their loved ones.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at PCMC is also an example of collaboration and compassion, which support RMHC's objective of providing care, comfort, and hope to families in need. With the support of the Quezon City government, the Department of Health (DoH), and global and local partners, RMHC Philippines continues to champion children's welfare by developing programs and spaces that nurture families, alleviate burdens, and ensure children receive the care and attention they require to thrive.

Partners and government officials graced the event, including DoH Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa represented by Asec. Farwa Hombre, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte represented by Atty Rene Grapilon, Assistant City Administrator for General Affairs, and PCMC Executive Director, Dr. Sonia B. Gonzalez.

Representatives from RMHC Global were also present, such as Mr. Rodney Jordan, Chief Operating Officer and Ms. Rachel Go, Associate Director, Field Operations – Asia. McDonald’s Philippines executives, who were instrumental in making the project come to fruition, were also present, namely, Ms. Margot Torres, Managing Director and RMHC Board Member, Ms. Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC Philippines, and Ms. Adi Timbol-Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and RMHC Philippines Vice President.

The Family Room, which is set on a 120-square-meter lot and has a 93.5-square-meter floor area, is intended to serve as a temporary sanctuary for family of PCMC patients. It has a reception room with a handwashing station to preserve cleanliness and prevent illness transmission. Families can relax in the lounge, which has comfortable sofas and a television, or they can enjoy the children's play area. They can also utilize the specialized breastfeeding room, which includes a diaper-changing station as well as a pantry with a sink and dining area, which is intended to encourage family engagement and support. The facility also features a shared restroom that is wheelchair accessible, guaranteeing that all guests may use it. Hot and cold water, as well as food and refreshments, are given.

The Family Room, staffed by trained people and volunteers, is totally funded by contributions and volunteer efforts, allowing families to use its facilities for free. It is provided to all families of PCMC outpatients under the age of 18. Watchers must obtain approval from the Medical Social Worker, who will evaluate and suggest suitable families for entrance to the Family Room.

Established in 1996, RMHC—McDonald's charity of choice—is part of a global organization that works in 64 countries to provide care, comfort, and hope to children and families in need. Over the past 29 years, RMHC Philippines has made a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos through its impacting programs. These include disaster and crisis relief through McDonald's Kindness Kitchen, education through the Read to Learn program, and safe spaces for children and families through projects such as Bahay Bulilit and the recently created Family Room.

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.