#LightTheWorld Giving Machines inspires and draws smiles in Metro Manila

To cap off three launches in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally started operating the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in Quezon City on November 23, 2024.

This year, the launch of Giving Machines in the Cinema Level of Ayala Malls TriNoma welcomed the presence of global Church leaders, including President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President, and Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency. Both were in the Philippines for a nine-day ministering visit.

"I am so excited about 'Light The World'! It is such an exciting time of the year! I love that the Philippines love Christmas. Everywhere I go, there are Christmas decorations. Everywhere I go, I am listening to Christmas music. I think that’s why these Giving Machines are so important. This gives a country that already loves Christmas the chance to participate in what Christmas is all about," Brother Wilcox said.

“I am grateful that this time, as we Light the World, we share the Savior's light by giving to others. We invite you to come, donate, and bless somebody else's life,” President Johnson added.

Elder Carlos G. Revillo, Jr., President of the Philippines Area, presided over the launch in Ayala Malls TriNoma and the subsequent press meet at Seda Vertis North Hotel. Almost 30 media outfits from national and local media, including social media influencers, attended to cover the event.

“We invite everyone to participate, give donations, and serve others just like the Savior Jesus Christ did. The blessings will come not just to the receivers but also to the givers like you and me,” Elder Revillo emphasized.

“We invite everyone to participate, give donations, and serve others just like the Savior, Jesus Christ, did. The blessings will come not just to the receivers but also to the givers, like you and me,” he said.

To give the #LightTheWorld initiative in the Philippines a much-welcome popular boost this year, star actors and actresses Eric and Rona Tai, Jairus Aquino, and Xia Vigor attended the launch to offer their talents. All four are known nationally and on social media and are valued friends of the Church.

Last year, the Giving Machines in Metro Manila and Cebu City gathered over PHP 730,000 in donations from over 4,500 donors who placed their money in the special, bright red vending machines. The donations, ranging from various choices, including PHP 50 food packs to PHP 1,000 home repair kits,were given directly to beneficiaries sponsored by six participating charity organizations.

To help more beneficiaries, in the turnover of donations last January, the Church donated another PHP 500,000 to each charity partner on top of the gathered donations. The Church of Jesus Christ also shouldered all overhead costs and other fees.

This year, the Giving Machines program has expanded to 106 locations worldwide, including one new location in Davao City— the first in Mindanao, the second-largest group of islands in the Philippines.

The beneficiaries in Metro Manila are Caritas Manila, HERO Foundation, and Alagang Kapatid Foundation. In Cebu, there are Cebu Caritas, Feed the Children and UNICEF Philippines. Davao's beneficiaries are the Mabuhay Foundation, UNICEF Philippines, and Ateneo de Davao University. 

“These machines are going to care for individuals who are mostly in need. One of the missions of the Church is to care for the needy,” Elder Revillo explained.