Sharing the Light of Christ: 2025 Light the World Giving Machines Donations Bring Hope Across the Philippines

Nearly 9,000 donors across the Philippines turned simple acts of generosity into meaningful assistance for thousands of individuals and families during the 2025 Christmas season.

In a series of handover ceremonies held in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formally presented donations to local partner organizations and beneficiaries. These gatherings marked the culmination of a nationwide effort through the Light the World Giving Machines, transforming community generosity into tangible support for those in need.

A Season of Giving

Each year, the Church’s Light the World initiative invites people of all faiths to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by following His example of service. The Giving Machines provide a unique way to participate, allowing individuals to donate specific items such as nutritious meals, educational materials, medical assistance, and other essential support for vulnerable communities.

Since their introduction in the Philippines in 2018, the Light the World Giving Machines have become a meaningful part of the Christmas season for donors and beneficiaries.  A defining feature of the program is its 100% donation model—every peso donated goes directly to participating nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency and accountability in distributing assistance to those who need it most.

Manila

A spirit of gratitude and shared purpose filled the gathering in Manila on January 28, 2026, as Church leaders and humanitarian partners came together to formally present the 2025 Giving Machine donations to local beneficiaries. Elder William K. Jackson of the Philippines Area Presidency presided over the ceremony, which brought together community representatives and partner organizations serving some of the nation’s most vulnerable sectors.

Elder Jackson, in his closing message, talked about the Savior Jesus Christ as the greatest example of charity, of giving, of seeking out that which was lost, or sick. 

He also shared, “[Jesus Christ] taught that when we do things for other people, we are only, in essence, doing it for Him. We are acting as instruments in His hands to achieve His work, His goals, and His expectations. We are taught in the scriptures that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God.”

Beneficiaries in Manila

HERO Foundation, Inc.
Represented by Major General Victor V. Bayani, HERO Foundation provides educational assistance to children and siblings of Filipino soldiers who were killed or permanently incapacitated in the line of duty. The foundation also offers mentorship and career guidance to help scholars become self-reliant and productive members of society.

Caritas Kalookan – Kaagapay Ministry
Represented by Fr. Arvin De Jesus, the Kaagapay Ministry supports individuals recovering from substance abuse through counseling, psychosocial services, and community reintegration programs.

NORFIL Foundation, Inc.
Led by Ms. Ma. Teresa R. Nuqui, NORFIL is a child-placement organization that facilitates foster care and domestic adoption while implementing programs for youth with disabilities to ensure safe and nurturing family environments.

According to Ms Nuqui, as she accepted the donation, “Your generosity brings hope, dignity, and meaningful opportunities to the children and families. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to share life, care, and compassion with our communities.”

Following the ceremony, guests toured the Missionary Training Center and learned more about the Church’s focus on strengthening families and promoting self-reliance.

Davao

In Davao City, the Light the World Giving Machine initiative concluded with a meaningful handover ceremony at the Buhangin Stake Meetinghouse, celebrating the generosity of thousands of donors who contributed from December 2025 to January 2026.

Church leaders and members gathered with representatives of the 2025 partner organizations—the Archdiocese of Davao Stewardship Apostolates (Nourishment Center), House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc., and SOS Children’s Village Davao—to formally present the donations. President Rizaldito S. Castro, Stake President of the Davao Philippines Stake, presided over the event.

During the program, held January 30, 2026, Ms. Ruth del Mundo, Director for Temporal Affairs of the Manila Philippines Administration Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented a summary of the Giving Machine’s impact in Davao. Every peso donated will go directly to the partner organizations to provide meals, school and household supplies, educational assistance, medical aid, and other essential services.

Beneficiaries in Davao

Archdiocese of Davao Stewardship Apostolates
Represented by Sister Nerissa B. Batiao, LGC, the center provides nourishing meals to children in vulnerable communities.

Reflecting on the partnership, Sister Batiao said the initiative fostered a “culture and spirit of generosity,” adding, “Indeed, when we share the light of Christ, His presence is truly felt in our community.”

House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer Inc.
Represented by Mr. Roy Linao, Vice President, the foundation provides shelter, medical support, and emotional care for children battling cancer and their families.

Mr. Linao described the challenges faced by families arriving for treatment. “They often arrive with nothing but a small bag of clothes and a heart-wrenching diagnosis for the child,” he said, noting how illness affects both emotional and financial stability. He expressed appreciation for the donors’ selflessness and anonymity.

“They didn’t just push a button to buy a snack; they pushed a button to buy a medical supply kit,” he shared. “Thousands of people gave to children they will likely never meet, expecting nothing in return.”

SOS Children’s Village Davao
Represented by Mr. Leonilo Rivera, Village Director, the organization ensures that children without parental care grow up in stable family environments.

“We can do simple things and yet create a big impact,” Mr. Rivera said, emphasizing how the donations help bring hope and light to children facing difficult circumstances.

A Message of Service and Purpose

In his closing remarks, President Castro expressed gratitude to partner organizations, volunteers, and donors. Referring to the teachings of Jesus Christ, he spoke about finding purpose through service.

“We lose our lives by finding opportunities to reach out to God’s children,” President Castro said. “Through simple acts of service, they can feel that they are loved by the Savior and cared for by our Father in Heaven.”

He also reminded attendees of the importance of sharing God’s love with all people, regardless of background or circumstance.

Cebu

A quiet spirit of gratitude and Christlike love filled the Kamputhaw Chapel in Cebu City on February 13, 2026, as leaders, guests, and beneficiary partners gathered for the Light the World Giving Machines handover ceremony. The event marked the joyful culmination of months of generosity from donors across Cebu Island who participated in last year’s Giving Machines placed at Nustar Mall.

President Rabin S. Redulla, Stake President of the Talisay Philippines Stake, presided over the ceremony, joined by fellow priesthood leaders, their wives, and representatives from the Church Communications team. In a unified expression of service and collaboration, Church leaders formally turned over the donations to partner organizations whose missions support some of the most vulnerable members of society.

These contributions will be transformed into tangible assistance—therapy sessions, medical care, educational programs, nourishment, and other essential services—reflecting Christlike compassion in action.

Beneficiaries in Cebu

Parents’ REACH Foundation, Inc.
Represented by Architect Joseph Michael Espina, the foundation advocates for children with autism and related conditions, providing therapy and specialized educational programs, particularly for indigent families.

Architect Espina emphasized that the Light the World initiative represents more than financial support.
“Each donation becomes a personal act of kindness,” he shared. “Every child, regardless of circumstance, is worthy of care and love.”
He expressed appreciation to the Church and donors whose generosity sustains vital services.

Kythe Foundation
Represented by Executive Director Magdalena Lopez, Kythe improves the quality of life for children with chronic illnesses through Child Life Services and psychosocial care.

“Service becomes tangible, and hope becomes visible,” Lopez said. “Because of your generosity, care becomes more accessible and more professional.”

She noted that donations help support children with cancer and their families, providing emotional support and milestone celebrations during challenging medical journeys.

Cebu Caritas, Inc.
Represented by Humanitarian Program Specialist Nathaniel Rafols, Cebu Caritas implements programs in education, health, and livelihood, serving marginalized communities throughout the region.

“This gift represents continued trust,” Rafols said. “The Light the World program makes service both accessible and visible. We will always remember those who helped.”

A Call to Continued Service

In his concluding message, President Redulla reminded those present that the initiative extends beyond financial contributions.

“Our effort is not just about giving funds — it is about discipleship. It is choosing to reflect the Savior’s work,” he said. He encouraged participants to carry the spirit of generosity into their daily lives, emphasizing that the Light the World campaign does not end with a ceremony. “As we continue to serve, we become the light the world so desperately needs.”

Following the program, guests were guided on a tour of the chapel and surrounding facilities, including the temple exterior, the Global Education Center, and Patron Housing facilities. The visit offered insight into the Church’s broader mission of worship, education, and service rooted in faith in Jesus Christ.

Bacolod

For Bacolod, this year marked a historic milestone. On February 18, 2026, community leaders, volunteers, and partner organizations gathered at the Galo meetinghouse to celebrate the city’s first-ever Light the World Giving Machine handover ceremony. A spirit of generosity and shared purpose filled the venue as donations were formally presented to organizations serving communities across Negros.

President Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over the event. The program opened with a video presentation revisiting the launch of the Light the World Giving Machines in Bacolod, highlighting the joy of individuals and families who chose to give meaningful gifts during the Christmas season.

During the ceremonial turnover, President Rossen Bon Escobar, Stake President of the Bacolod Philippines Stake, formally presented the proceeds. Nearly 3,000 individuals visited the Giving Machines in Bacolod.

Beneficiaries in Bacolod

Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Inc.
Represented by Mr. Meliton Sillador, the foundation provides residential care, education, and psychosocial services for children in conflict with the law and those who are abandoned or neglected.

University of St. La Salle – Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center
Represented by Br. Edgar Esperagoza, FSC, the center offers rehabilitation, education, skills development, and moral recovery programs to help youth reintegrate into society.

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Represented by Dr. Manuel Y. Gayoles Jr., the public hospital delivers essential medical services and specialized care to underserved communities in Negros Occidental.

Each organization expressed sincere appreciation for the Light the World initiative, noting how the contributions will strengthen their ongoing efforts to care for vulnerable children, guide youth toward brighter futures, and provide vital medical assistance to patients and families.

A special musical number by the combined Bacolod Tri-Stake choir—composed of members from the Bacolod, Bacolod South, and Bacolod North Stakes—added a reverent and uplifting spirit to the ceremony.

In his remarks, President Revillo spoke about the principle of fasting and the sacred role of fast offerings in supporting those in need and sustaining the Church’s humanitarian efforts. He emphasized that "members willingly and lovingly make sacrifices in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ."  He also expressed gratitude to the partner organizations for their dedication to serving the people of Negros, noting that both the Church and its partners share a common mission of caring for their brothers and sisters.

Guests toured the meetinghouse, Family History Center, and institute facilities following the ceremony.

A Continuing Commitment

Across all four locations, the message of the Light the World Giving Machines remained consistent: to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by serving others through acts of compassion and generosity.

Through partnerships with trusted nonprofit organizations, donations were directed toward education, health care, rehabilitation services, and family-centered support programs. These efforts reflect the Church’s continuing commitment to follow the example of Jesus Christ by caring for those in need.

To learn more about the Light the World initiative, visit:

Light the World Giving Machines