Pia Wurtzbach supports educational sponsorship for students

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach may have passed on the crown last January, but she continues to dedicate her time and effort to supporting several humanitarian causes.

This week, the Filipina beauty queen spent some time in Tondo, Manila to meet the graduates from the sponsorship program of Hope For Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to putting an end to hunger, illiteracy, and disease in select communities in East Africa, the Philippines, and Indo-Asia.

According to Pia in an Instagram post on Monday, “In the Philippines we value education because we don't get it for free. And even if there are schools/universities that don't cost much as compared to other countries, a lot of families still struggle to pay for the school fees because of poverty.”

She admits that the cause is especially close to her heart as she has personally been unable to enter college because of poverty.

“Talagang nakakatuwa po na makilala itong mga masisipag na estudyante na ga-raduate na sa susunod na buwan. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, Swerte kayo kasi nakapagtapos kayo. Ako nga hindi ako nakapagcollege kasi di rin namin kaya bayaran yung tuition fees. At naging insecurity ko ng matagal na panahon yun. Hanggang ngayon naiisip ko paring bumalik sa pagaaral,'” the beauty queen said.

Her appeal to everyone: “I do hope that you support this cause. I think it's great. I am hoping that for years to come, we see more graduates from here in the Philippines.”

 

And I met them yesterday at Tondo, Manila. I saw it for myself! In the Philippines we value education because we don't get it for free. And even if there are schools/universities that don't cost much as compared to other countries, a lot of families still struggle to pay for the school fees because of poverty. Talagang nakakatuwa po na makilala itong mga masisipag na studyante na maggraduate na po sa susunod na buwan. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, "Swerte kayo kasi nakapagtapos kayo. Ako nga hindi ako nakapagcollege kasi di rin namin kaya bayaran yung tuition fees. At naging insecurity ko ng matagal na panahon yun. Hanggang ngayon naiisip ko paring bumalik sa pagaaral." Congratulations! At sana dumami pa kayo ???? God bless organizations like this! Link in bio ?

A post shared by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Mar 12, 2017 at 6:16pm PDT

Pia also posted a separate video highlighting the achievements of Hope For Change in education and other humanitarian causes.

“I know you guys enjoy seeing more personal content on my page but we just can't turn a blind eye on reality! I hope you can help... Para rin po sa kinabukasan ng mga kababayan natin ito,” she said.

 

Let's change the tune a little bit. I know you guys enjoy seeing more personal content on my page but we just can't turn a blind eye on reality! I hope you can help if you can. ???? Para rin po sa kinabukasan ng mga kababayan natin ito. This is where I (or WE) need your help! ?Link in bio ????

A post shared by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Mar 12, 2017 at 6:01pm PDT

Aside from education, Pia has also been actively campaigning for HIV/AIDS awareness around the world, even participating in a public testing in New York City shortly after she was crowned as Miss Universe. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News