CNN hero gets Order of Lakandula
Manila Bulletin - Friday, November 27
CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida has been conferred the Order of Lakandula, with a rank of komandante (commander) by President Arroyo.In a simple ceremony at Malacañang's Reception Hall, the President awarded the order of political and civic merit to Peñaflorida for his "leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one's people.""This recognition is not for Efren alone. Ito ay para din sa mga taong naniniwala at tumutulong sa amin," the 28-year-old pushcart educator said in an interview after the awarding ceremony.He also took opportunity to remind those aspiring to seek seats for the May, 2010 elections to protect and promote the welfare of the majority rather than their personal interests."Higit nilang alalahanin ang kapakanan ng iba bago ang sarili nilang personal na interes," he said.The CNN Hero of the Year said he and his group, Dynamic Teen Company, will remain non-partisan and will not endorse any political candidates for the national elections, including President Arroyo.Peñaflorida, who is among the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 following the seven-week online voting at CNN.com, said that the gruesome killing of more than 50 people in Maguindanao, including politicians, civilians and journalists, pained his heart expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims. "Nagdurugo ang puso ko sa balita na ito. Nakikidalamhati ako sa kanila."He said the replication of his "pushcart education" initiative is best affirmation that he had apart from the two awards he got in a week.Kenya has adopted his program in bringing education to poor children.Before the awarding, Peñaflorida had a meeting with Mrs. Arroyo who tapped presidential adviser for education Mona Valisno to identify poor communities who have high rate of unschooled children.The President directed Valisno to start educating the children at 5 years of age and to coordinate with non-government organizations in the area to improve their projects.Mrs. Arroyo said if Peñaflorida's pushcart education project became successful in Kenya, the government should also adopt this project to reach children from far-flung areas.
Manila Bulletin - Friday, November 27
CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida has been conferred the Order of Lakandula, with a rank of komandante (commander) by President Arroyo.In a simple ceremony at Malacañang's Reception Hall, the President awarded the order of political and civic merit to Peñaflorida for his "leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one's people.""This recognition is not for Efren alone. Ito ay para din sa mga taong naniniwala at tumutulong sa amin," the 28-year-old pushcart educator said in an interview after the awarding ceremony.He also took opportunity to remind those aspiring to seek seats for the May, 2010 elections to protect and promote the welfare of the majority rather than their personal interests."Higit nilang alalahanin ang kapakanan ng iba bago ang sarili nilang personal na interes," he said.The CNN Hero of the Year said he and his group, Dynamic Teen Company, will remain non-partisan and will not endorse any political candidates for the national elections, including President Arroyo.Peñaflorida, who is among the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 following the seven-week online voting at CNN.com, said that the gruesome killing of more than 50 people in Maguindanao, including politicians, civilians and journalists, pained his heart expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims. "Nagdurugo ang puso ko sa balita na ito. Nakikidalamhati ako sa kanila."He said the replication of his "pushcart education" initiative is best affirmation that he had apart from the two awards he got in a week.Kenya has adopted his program in bringing education to poor children.Before the awarding, Peñaflorida had a meeting with Mrs. Arroyo who tapped presidential adviser for education Mona Valisno to identify poor communities who have high rate of unschooled children.The President directed Valisno to start educating the children at 5 years of age and to coordinate with non-government organizations in the area to improve their projects.Mrs. Arroyo said if Peñaflorida's pushcart education project became successful in Kenya, the government should also adopt this project to reach children from far-flung areas.
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