The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds an ongoing commitment to uplift communities and improve educational access in the Philippines and other countries around the world.
In the past few months, the Church has donated funds, provided additional infrastructure and plumbing, and given resources to various organizations in the Philippines to bless the lives of those in need.
Read more about what the Church has done below.
Water improvement in the Dinagat Islands
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated funds to the Dinagat Islands Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project, which began in November 2024 and is set to be completed by January 2026.
The Dinagat Islands is a group of islands in the southeastern region of the Philippines. In partnership with A Single Drop for Safe Water, UNICEF and Community and Family Services International, the project aims to provide these islands and other vulnerable communities with increased access to sanitation facilities and a safe water supply.
The project seeks to have all municipalities in the Dinagat Islands declared “zero open defecation zones,” meaning no one defecates openly and everyone uses sanitary toilets. It also aims to establish local septage treatment facilities, along with the construction and improvement of water systems.
The governor’s chief of staff, Niel Demerey, recalled the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021 in the Church’s Philippines Newsroom: “We were devastated and directly hit by the typhoon. We had to rebuild, recover and rehabilitate. There was no proper water supply or sanitary toilets, and it impacted the health of our community as a whole.
“Thanks to this project, assistance is being more effectively delivered to our communities. We are truly grateful to all the benefactors involved. This initiative has changed many lives — not only giving hope but also empowering people to become self-sufficient. We are thankful for your support and remain open to helping strengthen future programs and projects.”
Steve Dobb, the Church’s emergency response manager, said in the news release from the Church’s Philippines Newsroom: “Our humanitarian work focuses on helping the most vulnerable, regardless of race, religion or nationality.”
Education in Davao City
Representatives of the Church reaffirmed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s commitment to supporting education as they signed and confirmed a donation to Maa National High School in Davao City — on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao — at a turnover ceremony on Nov. 15, 2024.
The Church’s Philippines Newsroom reported that the Church donated 12 smart TVs, 1,000 chairs and various materials to make tables. These donations aim to enhance the learning environment for the school’s 3,548 students and 132 teachers.
“Your support has made a profound impact on our students, providing them with essential resources and opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise,” said school principal Maribeth V. Alcordo during the ceremony. “I know your kindness and commitment to education will encourage an environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and motivated to succeed.”
For years, the school has faced a shortage of chairs and tables. Margie L. Jaron, 8th grade adviser, said teachers used to provide chairs for the students. “The chairs and tables are a great help since our school did not have enough furniture. This is such a big help, and now students can focus better on their lessons without the distraction of lacking basic necessities.”
Jaron also noted how the smart TVs will help with learning. “The TVs will help us deliver quality lessons. Teachers can now easily use PowerPoint slides and interactive videos, making learning more fun and memorable for our students.”
Church representatives at the turnover ceremony included Edgardo Fernando, director of temporal affairs; Anthony John Balledos, Humanitarian Services country manager; and Davao Philippines Stake President Rizaldito Castro.
Fernando said: “Education is a cornerstone of self-reliance. It reduces poverty, improves health, strengthens communities, and builds a more sustainable future. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is committed to support education through many initiatives, including scholarships, financial aid, job training and self-reliance programs.”
Infrastructure, plumbing to an elementary school
In addition to its donation to Maa National High School, the Church provided additional electrical infrastructure and plumbing to Maa Central Elementary School in Davao City.
The infrastructure and plumbing was completed in a four-story building. The Church also donated four computer sets, workstation tables with chairs, three industrial fans and a thousand chairs, reported a news release from Philippines Newsroom.
“Our comfort rooms now have running water, so we no longer struggle to fetch water from the ground floor and take it to the higher floors. Before, we had only one or two faucets downstairs, and students had to race for their turn,” said Sharina Aiya Paye, the student council president of Maa Elementary School.
“Last month, our lights on the fourth floor blew out, leaving us with no electricity. It was so hot, and being directly under the sun on the fourth floor was unbearable. The new lights are a big help, especially for afternoon students whose classes extend into the evening,” she continued.
Paye also highlighted the benefits of the new computers and printers, saying, “The computers help us with research and printing, which we really need to cope up with homework and other school requirements.”
Fernando emphasized the Church’s commitment to service inspired by their faith: “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in following the Savior’s two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbor. As part of this mandate, we seek to maximize our impact so that our efforts to care for those in need bless not only the recipients but also their families and communities.”