“Hanggang awa ka na lang ba? Ano ang pwede mong gawin sa abot ng makakaya mo?” stressed Bienvenido Abad, Jr., alias Mang Urot, in his talk before Far Eastern University student leaders under the Circles of Leadership Influence Program (CLIP). This was organized by Student Development (SDEV) in partnership with FEU Scholars Society ​on November 17, 2016 at the Library’s Special Collections Room.

Abad, Jr challenged the student leaders to create an advocacy that will help the poor. He shared how his soup kitchen in West Triangle, Quezon City has fed a total of approximately 50,000 poor persons and is one practical response to the prevalent problem of poverty.

“There is always a void in our spirit if we do not struggle for the wellbeing of others,” Mang Urot further said. Since 2012, he has devoted his life to providing a decent meal for the hungry. His advocacy has captured the attention of various stakeholders and benefactors and was even featured in media.

In his talk, he emphasized selflessness and chivalry. “The secret to living is giving,” he says. He also asked the participants to take an oath of commitment and challenged them ​to join him in this or other similar projects.

Ron Pascual, president of the Tamaraw Volunteers (TamVol)​, said, “If you have the ability to change something, do it. TamVol needs to do more. I will pursue a career in management and when I become successful, I will never forget to look back. Volunteering is a big part of my life. It has changed and molded me. Mang Urot’s selfless work has reaffirmed that was I am doing what is right.”

CLIP is an in-house training program for FEU student leaders where a goal is to enrich their attitudes, skills, and knowledge so that they become agents of social change. “The thrust for this year’s CLIP is to expose our student leaders to more advocacies, to learn about different models, and ultimately to create and execute their own projects. Mang Urot’s talk is a reminder to all of us that while we are searching for more sustainable community projects, feeding the poor is a necessary stop-gap measure to help them survive,” said Joeven R. Castro, SDEV director.