Over 6,300 People Donated Using 2024 #LightTheWorld Giving Machines in the Philippines

More than 6,300 people in the Philippines donated through the 2024 #LightTheWorld Giving Machines, an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that allows individuals to purchase essential items—such as meals, books, and scholarships—for those in need.

The donations were officially handed over during a ceremony on February 28, 2025, at EDSA Shangri-La in Manila. The event was presided over by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and attended by Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President, and his wife, Sister Marie Revillo.

Since 2018, thousands of Filipinos have had the opportunity to support those in need through these special vending machines. Instead of purchasing items for themselves, donors buy essential goods for others.

Among the partner organizations benefiting from the donations this year are UNICEF Philippines, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, Ateneo de Davao University, Feed the Children Philippines, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, H.E.R.O. Foundation, Caritas Manila, and Cebu Caritas. Representatives from each charity partner attended the event.

Artists and influencers who contributed to the initiative, including Eric and Rona Tai, Jairus Aquino, Janella Renner, and Nevin Garceniego, the 2024 The Voice Kids Philippines Grand Champion, also supported the ceremonial handover event.

In his message, Elder Rasband said that “giving is a significant priority” for the Church as it blesses many lives, including the lives of the rising generation. He also congratulated the charity partners for their efforts and sacrifices to help fellow Filipinos. “I want you to know that the Church values your partnerships,” he said.

“I had a distinct impression, that this is why we are doing what we do. We do this for the benefit and blessing of the rising generation throughout the Philippines and throughout the world,” Elder Rasband added.

Elder Rasband noted that in 2024 alone, the Church donated over USD $1 billion globally to humanitarian projects to alleviate suffering from natural and human-caused disasters. The #LightTheWorld Giving Machines initiative is one of the many humanitarian efforts led by the Church.

Last year, the Giving Machines in the Philippines gathered more than PHP 750,000.00 in donations from the 6,305 donors. Additionally, as in previous years, the Church donated an additional PHP 500,000.00 to each charity partner to assist them in helping more beneficiaries in their respective communities.

To ensure that 100 percent of donations go directly to beneficiaries, the Church covers all administrative and operational expenses. Volunteers, primarily Church members and missionaries, oversee the machines from their launch in November through the Christmas season.

Reflecting on the initiative's growth, Elder Revillo recalled its beginnings in 2018 when the first two machines were installed at SM Megamall, in Manila. He said each machine has since become a “beacon of hope” for those in need.

By 2024, the initiative had expanded to seven machines across three central Philippine locations—Ayala Malls TriNoma in Manila, Robinsons Galleria in Cebu, and Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao. The launch events attracted coverage from more than 80 national and regional media outlets.

“More than the items purchased, it is the love behind these donations is what truly matters,” Elder Revillo said. He also explained that the Church does the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines project to follow Jesus Christ.

“He is the perfect example of selfless love and compassion and we believe that we as His disciples, we are invited to do as He did - to love, to serve and to lift those in need,” Elder Revillo shared.