Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI), one of the Philippines’ leading food service companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and social impact through a new partnership with the Quezon City government and continued support for individuals with Down Syndrome.
In a significant milestone, SPAVI signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Quezon City government to create employment opportunities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in its company-owned Shakey’s restaurants across the city. This marks the fifth local government partnership under SPAVI’s inclusive hiring program, underscoring the Group’s mission to promote equal employment opportunities in the communities it serves.
The MOA was signed in a ceremony attended by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, SPAVI National Operations Director Carlos Robles III, and SPAVI Chief Human Resource Officer Marielle Santos, alongside officials from the city’s Social Services Development Department (SSDD), Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and Novaliches District Hospital.
“We are excited to partner with SPAVI and provide both senior and PWD QCitizens with a chance to work,” said Mayor Belmonte. “Here at QC, we believe everyone should have an opportunity to build a better life through respectable livelihoods. We’re glad that we can collaborate with SPAVI to work towards this shared goal.”
Following the signing, SPAVI and Quezon City began the onboarding process, including health assessments conducted by the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), to ensure that all hires are job-ready and supported for success.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by SPAVI to foster workplace diversity and inclusion as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Central to this celebration is the Group’s flagship social impact program, Love ‘Em Down, launched in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI).
Earlier this year, SPAVI hosted its inaugural Pizza and Smiles event in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, where 45 children with Down Syndrome engaged in hands-on pizza-making activities alongside SPAVI team members. The celebration continued at DSAPI’s annual Happy Walk, where SPAVI employees and their families participated in festivities that included mascot meet-and-greets, performances, and complimentary pizza for all attendees.
“These programs reflect our deep commitment to being a people-first business,” said Vic Gregorio, President and CEO of SPAVI. “At the heart of it all, we are a people business. That means cultivating an organization where diverse talents and abilities are not only valued but also empowered. Through inclusive hiring and Love ‘Em Down, we aim to make a lasting, positive impact on lives and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
As SPAVI looks ahead to the next 50 years, it remains steadfast in its mission to serve great food and create great moments while building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
