Cebu picked as third location for ‘Light the World’ initiative

CEBU, Philippines — The "Light the World" Giving Machine, launched in Cebu at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu, marked the third location in the Philippines to host this innovative, generosity-driven initiative.

The program, spearheaded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with prominent NGOs (Non-Government Organization) like UNICEF Philippines, Catholic-led Caritas Cebu, and Feed the Children Philippines—aims to increase its reach and beneficiary organizations across the country in the coming years.

According to Michael B. Strong, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Philippine Area President, the launch signals a growing effort to inspire giving and provide vital support to underserved communities.

The Giving Machine allows people to donate items such as food, educational materials, medical supplies, and more to those in need.

Last year, the initiative has raised over P700,000 across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with the program expanding to Davao for the first time this year.

Rev. Alex K. Cola Jr., Executive Director of Caritas-Cebu, highlighted how the program addresses crucial needs such as providing scholarships, rebuilding homes for families affected by calamities, and supporting livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

“The Giving Machine represents a machine of compassion for those who are in desperate need of assistance," Cola said.

Maida Salcedo-Mission, Executive Director of Unicef Philippines, emphasized the global impact of the initiative, noting that this year marks the sixth year Unicef is participating in the campaign. She also shared the organization's commitment to child protection, noting that in 2023 alone, over 700 cases of child abuse and exploitation were reported across the Philippines.

For Feed the Children Philippines, represented by Country Manager Ofelia Cardeño, this marks their third year participating in the Giving Machine initiative.

Cardeño reported that the program has raised enough funds to support the education of 130 children, helping them graduate high school.

This year, the organization plans to increase this number and extend support to children pursuing higher education. Strong, affirmed their commitment to charitable endeavors.

Through the Light the World campaign, we have helped generate over P32 million in charitable contributions globally since 2017, with 100 percent of donations going directly to the beneficiaries, Strong said.

The Giving Machine's success is also evident in the impact it has had on local organizations like Caritas Cebu, which has raised over P1.2 million over the past three years, providing scholarships to 65 students.

Meanwhile, Feed the Children Philippines has seen significant growth in their funding from the initiative, with contributions rising from P70,000 to P86,000, helping more children complete their high school education.

As the program continues to gain traction in the Philippines, there are increasing opportunities for collaboration with NGOs that align with the Church's charitable mission.

“We are pleased to see how the Giving Machine has become an integral part of our efforts to make a positive impact and build a culture of giving,” Strong added.

With its expanding footprint across the Philippines, the "Light the World" campaign is becoming a powerful force for social change, offering a tangible way for individuals and businesses alike to contribute to meaningful causes and support the nation's most vulnerable populations. — (FREEMAN)