Posts Tagged ‘CNN Heroes 2009’

Pinoy Teacher For CNN Heroes 2009

Another Proud Pinoy teacher in the person of Efren Peñaflorida of Cavite City was first nominated for CNN Heroes 2009 in Championing Children category. A native of Cavite City, the 28 year old nominee grew up near the city’s dumpsite where he spent most of his younger years playing and swimming in the garbage beach. It shows in his character that he believed in our national hero, Jose Rizal’s “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” (the youth is the hope of our nation). Formed in 1997 in Cavite by Efren Peñaflorida, its mission then was to keep the youth away from trouble and vices. “Nakita namin yung pinaka-ugat ng problema na nanggagaling sa mga slum areas kung saan ginu-groom yung mga future gang members, gang leaders, so kaya nag-start kami noong 1999 na mag reach out sa mga bata sa slum area, para dun pa lang ma-guide na namin sila na di sila sumama sa mga ibang klaseng activities,” said Kuya F (as he is fondly called). I agree! Street gang is the most common problem now in the society.

Although Efren Penaflorida is no longer a teenager, in his own way, he stood up and make a difference by being a founder of Dynamic Teen Company where volunteers who believed in his vision go out and reach out for street children to teach them. Armed with “Kariton Klasrum” (wagon classroom) loaded with a blackboard, books, papers, pencils and other educational materials and go to slum areas of Cavite. They didn’t choose a place as their classroom, they did their teachings even in a cemetery as long as there are youth who wants to learn. Actually, they started doing this in 1997. After seeing DTC website and read how it all started and the sacrifices for giving education to less fortunate children, I am really impressed. The dedication to help the needy doesn’t need to be a politician, Kuya F proved that he knows the true meaning of being nationalistic and love for his countrymen… a true role model for todays’ youth. Being a nominatee and recognized by CNN Heroes 2009 will somehow make a lot big difference. How I wish there are more pinoy like him and DTC volunteers. Its too early to say but you already earned a space in heaven for doing those things especially in this time that the poor became poorer. The awards he received:

• Regional Winner, Outstanding Volunteer Awards (NEDA – 2008, Calamba, Laguna)
• Outstanding Caviteño in Public Service (2008, Independence Day Celebration, Cavite)
• Finalist for Global Youth Awards (2008, Southhampton, UK)
• Official Nominee for Right Livelihood Award Foundation (2005, Stockholm, Sweden)
• Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Kabataang Pilipino Regional Winner (2004, ABS-CBN Studio 1, Quezon City)
• Golden Anahaw Awardee as Outstanding Community Servant (2004, CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, Cavite City)
• Role Model Awardee (2004, City Gov’t Award for CAVITE CITY WEEK, City Hall, Cavite City)
• Most Outstanding VBS Staff (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 , Club 8586 Center, Cavite City)
• Excellent Member Awardee (1997, LDES Multi-Purpose Hall, Club 8586 INC. Cavite City)
• Model Sunday School Student Award (1995, 1996, 1997, Club 8586 Center, Cavite City)

I saw some of DTC (Make A Difference) youtube videos, this one is my favorite.