The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially launched its annual holiday charity initiative, calling on the Filipino public to support the 2025 Light the World Giving Machines. These special vending machines, now operational in key cities across the country, allow donors to directly purchase essential items for pre-selected beneficiary organizations.
Davao Launch and National Rollout
Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., the Philippines Area President of the Church, formally introduced the Giving Machines in Davao City on December 1, 2025, at the Sea Hotel. The machines in Davao are located on the 3rd floor of the expansion wing at Ayala Malls Abreeza and will remain available for donations until January 5, 2026.
This year's beneficiaries in Davao include:
- The Archdiocesan Nourishment Center
- The House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer
- SOS Children's Village
Elder Revillo expressed hope for increased donations this year, attributing past growth to better public awareness. "I am asking everyone if they could invite more people to contribute to this," he stated during a media interview.
How to Donate and What Your Gift Provides
The donation process is designed to be simple and engaging. Donors can:
- Select a desired donation item from the machine's display.
- Pay via cash insertion or contactless tap.
- Receive a commemorative item card.
- Take a selfie and drop the card into a donation bin.
Contributions directly fund a variety of critical needs, such as:
- Food support and nourishment
- Educational learning materials
- Mental health services
- Play spaces for children battling cancer
- Scholarship programs
Elder Revillo emphasized that partner organizations are chosen based on shared values with the Church's mission, focusing on trusted groups that make a meaningful impact, particularly for families and children.
Expanding Reach Across the Philippines
The 2025 Giving Machines campaign is a nationwide effort. Machines are also active in other major Philippine cities:
Manila: Launched on November 26 at Ayala Malls Market! Market!, supporting Caritas Kalookan–Kaagapay, the Hero Foundation, and the Norfil Foundation.
Cebu: Opened on November 28 at Nustar Mall on Kawit Island, benefiting the Parents Reach Foundation, Kythe Foundation, and Cebu Caritas.
Bacolod: For the first time, machines will launch on December 4 at Robinsons Place Bacolod. Beneficiaries are the USLS Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Kalipay Negrense Foundation.
A Track Record of Substantial Impact
The Giving Machines initiative has proven highly successful. In 2024, the program in the Philippines gathered approximately ₱750,000 in cash from 6,305 individual donors. The Church supplemented this by adding ₱500,000 for each of the eight national beneficiaries, bringing the total contribution to over ₱5 million.
Globally, the Light the World Giving Machines have raised more than US$50 million since the program's inception, aiding countless individuals worldwide.
Beyond this seasonal project, Elder Revillo noted that the Church engages in year-round humanitarian work in the Philippines. This includes partnerships for medical and dental missions, donations of hospital equipment, and support for schools in need.
