CNN Hero of the Year back in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida received a warm welcome and cheers from his supporters and fans at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Wednesday night after arriving from the US where he formally received the award.

Peñaflorida was named CNN Hero of the Year for “giving the Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education.”

At 16, he founded the Dynamic Teen Company which aims to teach basic reading and writing to impoverished children using the kariton (pushcart) where all teaching materials are placed.

Twelve years after, his company has grown, with some 10,000 volunteer members who continue to uplift the lives of poor children by teaching them how to read and write in the streets.

At the airport, Peñaflorida was met by his proud parents Lucila and Efren Peñaflorida.

“Very proud ako sa kanya,” said Lucila.

Cavite Mayor Ayong Maliksi was also there to welcome Peñaflorida and vowed to help provide financial support to his Dynamic Teen Co. The ever-humble Peñaflorida said he was heartened by the outpouring of support but said nothing has changed for him after winning the prestigious award.

“I‘m still an ordinary person and we will continue to help in the education of poor children with our carts,” he said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, President Arroyo is scheduled to confer on Peñaflorida today at the Palace the Order of Lakandula, one of the country’s highest honors.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said Peñaflorida, 28, would be accompanied by members of his family and some members and beneficiaries of his Dynamic Teen Co.

She said it was not clear if the Palace would give financial support for Peñaflorida’s group.

Fajardo said: “Efren has indeed proven that any individual can help make a difference in the world. He has also shown the world the best in the Filipino. Let each one of us unleash the hero within us by helping the next person as Efren said.”

Fajardo said the government is grateful to Peñaflorida as he “complements and augments” whatever shortcomings the government has. – Paolo Romero, Patricia Esteves