Last month, I joined the whole nation in its campaign to help Efren Peñaflorida win in the search for the CNN Hero of Year.

This time, I join the whole nation in celebrating because Efren won the CNN Hero of Year award!

In a headline entitled “Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year,” the CNN website announces the proclamation of our very own as the winner in this year’s search for modern day hero

Perhaps, when Efren started his advocacy, he never expected nor even dreamed that he would reach this far. His only intention then was to bring hope to poor children who can’t afford to go to school… a simple, honest and pure intention.

So while our leaders were busy throwing brickbats at each other (only to reconcile later to pursue a common political interest), Efren and his group, the Dynamic Teen Company were in the streets bringing education to poor children in their own little way.

While lawmakers where busy passing bills and modifying existing laws, Efren was already doing his best to help change the lives of poor children.

Efren didn’t expect this international recognition to come the day he started to trek the streets with his pushcart… but because he was sincere in his actions… his efforts didn’t go unnoticed, so he could also inspire others to help others… as he said in his acceptance speech… “be the hero to the next one in need…”

Here’s a video of his acceptance speech during the awarding.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBTb5iAFLrE

Thanks for pinaswatcher for uploading the video on YouTube.

Mabuhay ka Efren!

May you to continue to inspire more “sincere heroes” as you continue your selfless devotion to help the poor children of our country.

We are proud of you!

He was featured last March as a modern-day hero by CNN because of his simple act of teaching poor children how to read and write. His trademark ‘kariton‘ (push cart) always goes with him wherever he goes on a mission.

That recognition has brought Efren Peñaflorida to the Top 10 CNN Heroes of the Year where he will be receiving $25,000 during an awarding that will be held in Hollywood come November.

Aside from that, Efren will also have a chance to win an additional $100,000 if he wins as the CNN Hero of the Year, where the winner will be chosen through online voting.

To help our fellow Filipino win, please vote for him at CNN.com/Heroes, the online voting will end on November 19 at 6 a.m. Eastern Time.

The CNN statement said:
Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company’s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.

Let’s all vote for Efren Peñaflorida for CNN Hero of the Year. I’m sure whatever rewards he receives will go the continuations of his noble mission.

And while I’m it, I’d like to call once again for continued support for Filipino Architect Gonzalo Raymundo, who according to the latest comment was already trailing behind a finalist from Portugal.

Vote for Gonzalo Raymundo here

Support our fellow Filipinos! Support our kababayans!