By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

Far Eastern University (FEU) Center for the Arts (FCA) recently concluded its Marketplace for a Cause held in front of the FCA Studio last Tuesday, December 12.

The initiative aimed to assist selected beneficiaries with the funds collected through the marketplace using the sale from preloved clothes and donated items.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FCA Section Head JM Isla explained that the decision to conclude this year's Marketplace for a Cause was due to space constraints.

“We have coming instruments na darating na mga bago, so mapupuno na 'yung FCA ng mga bagong gamit (We have new instruments coming, so the FCA will soon be filled with new equipment),” Isla said.

Meanwhile, FCA Office Assistant Christian Karlos General shared about the general purpose of the said activity.

“‘Yung mga funds na na-cocollect sa marketplace, mayroong specific beneficiary na pinupuntahan ‘yung benta. For example, may student na kailangan niya ng support financially, pwede siyang lumapit sa office namin. Hangga‘t may benta si marketplace, pwede kaming mag-provide (The funds collected in the marketplace have a specific beneficiary, for instance, a student in need of financial support can approach our office. As long as the marketplace generates sales, we can provide assistance),” he stated.

The FCA Section Head also noted that the Marketplace for a Cause has been a long-standing endeavor dating back to 2020.

Initiated by FCA Senior Director Martin Lopez during the pandemic, the marketplace was conceived to help students facing financial challenges.

Additionally, Isla mentioned that the marketplace's inception during the pandemic started with the BamBooks initiative of the FEU Bamboo Band.

Through volunteer efforts, donations were solicited, and the first beneficiary was FCA former Section Head Ethel Ampatino, whose children were supported through the funds raised.

The assistance also extended to those affected by calamities, exemplified by the Alumni Relations Office’s launch of a donation drive for the Mandaluyong fire incident last year.

Continuing the initiative, subsequent beneficiary is a stroke-stricken family member of a student from the FEU Drum and Bugle Corps. 

While this particular batch marked the conclusion of the recent marketplace, FCA expressed its willingness to continue the initiative in the future when space permits.

“Willing naman kami to continue that, kumbaga 'di naman siya mag-istop. Ito lang batch na 'to. So this batch, we will forgo, and then if magkakaroon uli ng space, may mga pending items pa na pwedeng dumating (We’re willing to continue that, it won't stop. This is just for this batch. So with this batch, we will forgo, and then if there's space again, there are still pending items that could come),” Isla added.

Items sold were preloved items donated by students, employees, and individuals who showed an interest in contributing.

- With reports from Karch Rafael

(Photo by FEU Advocate/Karch Rafael)