Former Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has expressed her plan to pursue college after she visited the beneficiaries of a scholarship program in Tondo, Manila recently.
“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,” said Wurtzbach on Instagram.
“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 pa ring bumalik sa pag-aaral.’ Congratulations! At sana dumami pa kayo. God bless organizations like this!” added Wurtzbach.
The Filipino-German beauty queen was referring to the www.h4cinternational.org or Hope For Change which is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to eradicating the effects of hunger, illiteracy, and disease ravishing impoverished communities throughout East Africa, the Philippines and Indo-Asia.
The Hope For Change Student Sponsorship Program in the Philippines covers the needs of students living in extreme poverty from elementary through college for the entire school year.
Using the public school system keeps the costs of sponsorship low. The sponsorship fee provides for uniforms, school supplies, special projects, travel and family needs. Without this support, many students would not be able to attend school.
“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!” said the beauty queen.
Wurtzbach, 27, never went to college but she’s also a trained chef. After finishing her secondary education, she studied culinary arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in San Juan, Metro Manila.
While busy with endorsements, she will also be seen as one of the judges for the reality show “Asia’s Next Top Model” Cycle 5 which will have its season premiere on April 5.