Food chain ‘Bahay Bulilit’ opens in Marawi transitory site

With smile on their faces, hundreds of children gathered and played as the newly built Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) turned over a Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Area 4 of Sagonsongan Transitory Site.

Bahay Bulilit here which is the biggest one in the country and the first that has a separate playground will welcome at least 70 children every day from Sagonsongan.

“The story of Marawi City is one filled with strength and resiliency, inspiring us to work together for a better future for the people who were most affected by the siege – the children,” McDonald’s Philippines Corporate Communications Head and RMHC Board Member Adi Timbol said.

Accredited social workers and community volunteers from the Marawi City Social Welfare and Development will facilitate the Bahay Bulilit’s day-to-day operations.

“We laud the local government unit and the Task Force Bangon Marawi for their continuous effort in rebuilding the city,” Timbol added.

“We wanted to make this Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit more special for the children of Marawi. We believe that with this learning center and playground, we will be able to give the children a place of hope that will be filled with learning and play,” says Marie Angeles, RMHC executive director.

Meanwhile, Marawi City mayor Majul Gandamra committed to support Bahay Bulilit after its turn-over to the city government.

“It will not end here. The Marawi City Government will continue to support this project. Whatever our children need, we will always provide as long as we can,” Gandamra assured.

Each Bahay Bulilit is built with learning kits composed of big illustrated books fit for storytelling and activity workbooks for children to practice reading and writing to aid in enhancing their literacy.

With every Bahay Bulilit, RMHC closely works with LGUs to identify key priority communities in need of a learning center for children. The land where each Bahay Bulilit is built, is donated by the LGU. To date, there are 28 Bahay Bulilit learning centers nationwide with two more set to open before the year ends. (PIA-ICCC)

caption: McDonald’s Philippines chief financial officer and RMHC treasurer Roberto Ramos and Marawi City mayor Majul Gandamra leading the Bahay Bulilit ribbon cutting ceremony. (PIA-ICCC)