PGMA leads nation in giving hero's welcome, Lakandula award to Pinoy 2009 CNN Hero of the Year
Tacloban City (November 24) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will lead the nation in giving heroes welcome to Efren Peņaflorida, the Filipino "pushcart classroom" educator, who has been chosen as the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year.
The President is also set to confer the Order of Lakandula Award, the same award accorded to Manny Pacquiao, to the 28 year-old Peņaflorida in fitting ceremonies at Malacanang.
Peņaflorida bested 9 other finalists to be named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year for initiating a"pushcart classroom" for indigent children, as an alternative to gang membership.
Peņaflorida's selection was revealed by CNN's Andenson Cooper at the conclusion of the third annual "CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute" at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on November 21.
The Filipino CNN Hero of the Year who will receive US$100,000., is in addition to the US$25,000 he is entitled of as one of the top ten nominees, to continue his work with the Dynamic Teen Company.
He announced that 10% of his winning will go to his Parish in Cavite, the others will be for the children who are beneficiaries of his kariton klasroom.
In accepting the honor, Kuya Ef as he is fondly called by his students, said " our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within him, one just have to look inside him and search it in his heart, and be the hero to the next one in need."
"So to each and every person inside this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers, you are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dreamt, and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."
The other top ten CNN Heroes include Brad Blauser who provides hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Since 2005, his Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has already distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need.
Army veteran Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida. Since 2000, his program has provided life-changing services to nearly 900 veterans.
Bartender Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Through creative fundraising, his nonprofit Wine to Water has brought sustainable water systems to 25,000 people in five countries.
Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women. With mobile mammography vans, her group has provided more than 500 free screenings in Miami, Florida.
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls since 2001.
School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times. Since 2004, he has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens, for free. (PIA 8) [top]
