Philippines’ “City of Smiles” Embraces #LightTheWorld Giving Machines

It was standing room only at the second level of Robinsons Bacolod as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched the #LightTheWorld Giving Machines on December 4, 2025.

Representatives of the Bacolod City Government, members of the media, charity partners, business leaders, interfaith representatives, local Church leaders and members, and many interested visitors attended the event. The Giving Machines drew significant public attention when they were introduced for the first time in Bacolod City, known throughout the Philippines as a place of hospitality, warmth, and kindness.

The launch was presided over by Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong of the Philippines Area Presidency, who was accompanied by his wife, Sister Carol Wong. They were joined by Bacolod City Councilors Hon. Wilson Gamboa Jr., Hon. Emily Ang, and Hon. Homer Bais.

The program included remarks from representatives of this year’s #LightTheWorld beneficiaries and partners. Among those who shared messages were Mr. Mark Christopher Dueñas, Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development of the University of St. La Salle Bahay Pag-asa; Dr. Manuel Y. Gayoles Jr., Officer-in-Charge and Chairperson of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital; and Ms. Anna Bernadette Gatuslao, Communication Manager of the Kalipay Negrense Foundation. They were also joined by Engr. Ryan Sumpay, Mall Operations Manager of Robinsons Bacolod.

DOWNLOAD

Celebrity hosts Eric “Eruption” Tai and Xia Vigor added warmth and enthusiasm to the launch program. Their presence helped introduce the Giving Machines to Bacolod residents and visitors, and they encouraged families and young people to participate.

Through the Giving Machines, visitors may choose from a wide range of meaningful donation options designed to bless children, youth, patients, and families in need. Available items support nutrition, health, education, comfort, emotional well-being, and daily living. These include food packs, infant care supplies, hygiene kits, bedding and clothing essentials, school materials, learning support, medical and wellness assistance, and even infrastructure needs such as safe water systems.

Every donation directly benefits local partner charities, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covering all administrative and promotional costs so that 100 percent of contributions go to those who need them most.

A press meet held immediately after the program allowed journalists, content creators, and influencers to learn more about this humanitarian initiative. Many expressed interest in how Bacolod was selected from among more than 1,600 cities and municipalities throughout the Philippines.

In recent years, the Church has implemented several humanitarian efforts across the Negros region. These include providing essential equipment to schools, hospitals, and clinics, and partnering with interfaith groups, local government offices, and private organizations to assist individuals and families in need.

The Church has also recently completed the construction of the Bacolod Philippines Temple. The public open house will begin on April 16, 2026, followed by the dedication of the temple by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on May 31, 2026.

Last year, the global #LightTheWorld campaign recorded more than 850,000 visitors who donated nearly 500,000 charitable items worldwide. In the Philippines, more than 8,000 donors contributed over PHP 750,000. To extend the impact further, the Church also provided an additional PHP 500,000 to each of the 2024 charity partners in addition to the donations collected during the campaign.

The Bacolod Giving Machines will remain open at Robinsons Bacolod until January 5, 2026.