Seniors and persons with disabilities (PWD) in Manila might find new job opportunities with the Po family-led Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., one of the country’s top restaurant groups.
Shakey’s said on Tuesday it was hiring more PWDs and people aged 60 and above as part of a new “inclusive hiring” push beginning September this year.
The company, which operates the Shakey’s pizza chain and Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken, partnered with the Public Employment Service Office (Peso) to implement the campaign in the City of Manila.
“Many of the elderly and PWDs have the capability and desire to take an active part in our society through gainful employment but, sadly, are often overlooked, making them a vulnerable sector,” Shakey’s president and CEO Vicente Gregorio said in a statement.
“Shakey’s doors are wide open to welcome seniors and PWDs as valuable members of our team,” he added.
The move was timely as challenging economic conditions and rising prices have prompted more seniors to reenter the labor force, pitting them against much younger peers.
National Statistician Dennis Mapa said in a previous briefing the percentage of seniors working or looking for jobs moved up to 38.2 percent in June from 34.9 percent the previous month.
Recently, Sen. Joel Villanueva introduced Senate Bill 360, which would offer incentives to companies that employ senior citizens.
In the same statement, Shakey’s said it would again roll out its “Love ‘Em Down” hiring campaign for people with Down Syndrome.
The program is in partnership with Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines.
“Having them [individuals with Down Syndrome] in our stores was a gift. They were having fun, learning, and interacting with our guests. They brought a deeper sense of joy and family to Shakey’s,” Gregorio said.
“I firmly believe the private sector has a role to play in breaking cycles of inequity in our society, and inclusive job creation is among them. Employment gives people a sense of dignity, more so for those who are often marginalized and underrepresented,” he added.