TABUK CITY, KALINGA — For good or for bad, Jollibee Foods Corporation formally opened on March 1 a new store here marking the 194th in Northern Luzon.
Rev. Fr. Jose Pic-it who officiated the Eucharistic celebration and blessing said that the company strengthens family ties and molds Christian values with its Filipino-oriented menu served by friendly and prompt crew.
”The opening of a Jollibee in our city is a joyful celebration that brings happiness to all Kalinga families,” the priest said in his homily.
Franchised by Ilocos Sur 2nd District Congressman Eric Singson who also owns the North Luzon Ultimate Foods Corporation, he said in his message that the opening is an enterprise activity that promotes economic development within the city.
Singson also mentioned that other food chains could possibly be operated in the city such as Chowking and Mang Inasal.
”With 125 employees where 95% are iKalingas, Jollibee Tabuk, the biggest store in the entire Northern Luzon will surely promote and make stronger the bonding among Kalinga families,” the investor said.
Also present in the event was Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac who was thankful of this blessing which he described as historic and significant.
”Businessmen already have confidence to invest in our place since it is peaceful on the ground that we no longer have tribal wars and hold-up situations,” the governor proudly expressed.
Meanwhile, City Vice Mayor Darwin Estrañero thanked the investor for trusting the Kalinga people and mentioned that being successful is not a matter of chance but a result of courage based on an enterprising vision.
Restaurant manager Franklin Mappala told this writer that the service crew were hired during the local recruitment activity organized by the Public Employment Service Office sometime last year.
The service crew, he said are paid P290.00 daily or P36.25 per hour for a maximum of eight-hours working schedule.
The two-storey store located in Bulanao operates from 6:00AM to 8:00PM and features a drive thru, catering and party, dine in-take out and big order sections. **Darwin S. Serion/Tabuk City Information Office
