A Drive for Excellence and A Culture of Care: Meet the People Behind Jollibee Group Foundation

Jollibee Group believes that as the company grows, so should the communities around it. Eighteen years ago, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF)—the company’s social development arm with programs for agriculture, disaster response, and education—was established by Jollibee Group Founders Dr. Tony and Grace Tan Caktiong.

Through the years, the Foundation has helped empower thousands of Filipinos and received numerous awards and recognition for its impactful work. JGF’s wide reach reflects the heart and passion of its team members. As Jollibee Group celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, we shine the spotlight on some of the staff who have largely contributed to the success of JGF programs: Arianne Aldeza, Fleurdelis “Didith” Rosales, and Jenice “Jen” Estrada.

A career that cares

While they have been instrumental in running JGF's programs, they have had to adjust and learn new ways of working as they joined the organization many years back.

Arianne Aldeza currently leads the implementation of all JGF programs in Central Luzon.

Aldeza, an Agricultural Engineering graduate coming from a government post, initially struggled with the organization's dynamic nature when she joined in 2013. “I wasn’t used to seeing plans change, especially in the middle of the year,” she said. “I soon learned that sometimes plans need to change to improve our approach and adapt to changing contexts so that our programs can be more relevant to the partners and communities.”

As she was further immersed in the Foundation’s work, she learned to embrace adaptability and thrive amidst rapid changes. After leading the implementation of JGF’s flagship program, the Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, in the past few years, Aldeza now oversees JGF programs in Central Luzon as Program Manager for Partnerships and Operations.

Didith Rosales leads the implementation of all JGF programs in National Capital Region and Southern Luzon.

For Rosales, one of the factors that drew her in was the involvement of Jollibee Group founders Dr. Tony and Grace Tan Caktiong in the Foundation. “I was informed the principals were very hands-on and had a mission for the community. These prompted me to pursue my application,” she said.

Rosales, a social worker by profession, had to assimilate in how JGF operated when she joined in 2016. “JGF has a different culture, with a strong drive for excellence. We don’t just do the programs; we have to do it well. When mistakes happen, we don’t see them as failures. Instead, we look at how we can use it to improve,” she said.

At the height of the pandemic, she worked with the JGF team and partners to establish a delivery system for Jollibee Group FoodAID and develop agro-entrepreneurship courses for agricultural workers and the youth. Now, Rosales is a Program Manager for Partnerships and Operations, spearheading program implementation in the National Capital Region and South Luzon.

Jen Estrada manages the Foundation’s finances and compliance and oversees the ACE Scholarship Program.

One of the Foundation’s most tenured employees is Estrada, joining as a Program Coordinator in 2011. Also a social worker by profession, she started out with a simple but critical task—releasing check vouchers for the Busog, Lusog, Talino, (BLT) School Feeding Program. “If I wasn’t able to release those checks, the pupils under the BLT program would not be able to eat,” she recalled.

She eventually took on more responsibilities, such as managing the ACE Scholarship Program, fundraising, and employee engagement—rising through the ranks along the way. Currently, Estrada is part of the leadership team as Program Manager for Governance and Finance.

Growing friendship

In the seven years that they have been working together, these ladies have formed a solid friendship—fondly named “Eat Girls” after a play on the local celebrities’ “It Girls” and a bond strengthened over joyful meals.

As their friendship and careers grew, so did the Foundation. With their experience and ability, they have shaped how the programs will benefit more farmers, youth, and vulnerable families.

At work, Aldeza’s happiest days are when farmers deliver a huge volume of vegetables to Jollibee Group, as this assures them of higher income. For Rosales, even small wins such as completing an activity are worth celebrating. “It means our efforts have been valuable. The success of one team is also the success of the whole Foundation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Estrada is happiest when the Foundation’s finances are balanced, a major job she has undertaken for years. “It’s when everything is accounted for and the financial statement is approved,” she said.

Some days may be challenging but these ladies always find happiness in going to work and celebrating milestones together.

Shared purpose and gratitude

What binds these ladies and JGF together is a shared purpose. “Our personal passion and the organization’s values should be aligned,” Aldeza said. “We’ll face many challenges but as long as we are working towards a common goal, we won’t leave the organization.”

JGF also continues to build stronger collaborations with different business units who play key roles in the programs, accentuating the company’s commitment to nation-building.

“It’s a rare opportunity to have a job to help the community,” Rosales said. It’s a huge task, which is why she’s also grateful for the mentorship and chance to develop their leadership and professional skills, allowing them to broaden and deepen their work.  

Estrada affirmed this, saying the Foundation has become more focused on its staff, supporting them to achieve their goals. “We have targets for our employees, not just for the program or partners,” she said.

These ladies will always be thankful to Jollibee Group not just for their employment, but for the platform it offers to fulfill their aspirations of doing good. Their gratitude extends to Jollibee Group employees whose hard work allows the company to donate a portion of its profits to fund the programs of the Foundation.

They take immense pride in being with JGF and look on to the next years filled with hope for a more joyful tomorrow.

This is a sponsored content from Jollibee Group.