Scholar Story: PIA scholar Denrich Laurel graduates Magna Cum Laude
From the moment Denrich S. Laurel stepped into 6th grade, his life took a transformative turn, thanks to Philippine
International Aid's (PIA) Off the Streets-Off to School Scholarship Program. Coming from a low-income family, his future was uncertain, but the doors that PIA opened for him lit the path to his dreams. What began as a lifeline of financial
support soon grew into something far more profound — a beacon of hope and opportunity that would shape his entire educational journey.
International Aid's (PIA) Off the Streets-Off to School Scholarship Program. Coming from a low-income family, his future was uncertain, but the doors that PIA opened for him lit the path to his dreams. What began as a lifeline of financial
support soon grew into something far more profound — a beacon of hope and opportunity that would shape his entire educational journey.
Looking back, Denrich acknowledges that PIA didn’t just offer financial assistance; it instilled in him the courage to believe that his dreams were within reach. One of the most valuable lessons he learned as a PIA scholar was to seize every opportunity that came his way. He came to understand that opportunities aren’t always readily available and should never be taken for granted. The generosity of PIA’s sponsors, who sacrificed their own resources to help students like him, deeply inspired him to make the most of every chance he was given.
PIA also provided more than just academic support — it fostered a sense of community and belonging. Through the events and programs organized by PIA, Denrich found a safe space within his church where he could connect with other scholars and share experiences. This sense of community, he reflects, was invaluable in his educational journey, offering encouragement and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Thanks to PIA's unwavering support, Denrich graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in BS Applied Mathematics, specializing in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Services. This remarkable achievement, he knows, would not have been possible without the financial aid and personal encouragement he received from PIA throughout the years.
In closing, PIA's support has been life-changing for Denrich. It has not only helped him achieve his academic goals but also shaped him into someone who understands the true value of opportunity, community, and perseverance. As he looks to the future, Denrich is determined to honor the opportunities he’s been given and remain committed to turning his dreams into reality.
PIA also provided more than just academic support — it fostered a sense of community and belonging. Through the events and programs organized by PIA, Denrich found a safe space within his church where he could connect with other scholars and share experiences. This sense of community, he reflects, was invaluable in his educational journey, offering encouragement and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Thanks to PIA's unwavering support, Denrich graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in BS Applied Mathematics, specializing in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Services. This remarkable achievement, he knows, would not have been possible without the financial aid and personal encouragement he received from PIA throughout the years.
In closing, PIA's support has been life-changing for Denrich. It has not only helped him achieve his academic goals but also shaped him into someone who understands the true value of opportunity, community, and perseverance. As he looks to the future, Denrich is determined to honor the opportunities he’s been given and remain committed to turning his dreams into reality.