CNN Hero visits Baguio City
CNN Heroes 2009 nominee Efren Peñaflorida or “Kuya F” to his students and friends touched the hearts of his Baguio audience at Small World Christian School Foundation on May 12.
The first Filipino to be named in the worldwide search for CNN Heroes, Peñaflorida has been lauded for his efforts to reach out to disadvantaged children through his Kariton Klasrum or “Pushcart Classes” that set up instant classrooms at dumpsites, inside old jeepneys, and even cemeteries.
In a simple program called “Heroes: Rediscovering servant leadership,” Peñaflorida, along with his ministry partners E, shared his testimony to the students, teachers, and representatives of NGOs, churches, and the Department of Education.
He recalled how he was bullied by gangs in Cavite, but through the help of Club 8586, a Bible study group, he was moved to turn his bitterness and desire for revenge into more constructive channels.
To stay away from gangs himself and divert other teenagers from becoming gang members, drug addicts, and petty thieves, he and his friends founded the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) when he was just 16 years old in 1997.
Twelve years later, DTC now has 10,000 members and volunteer workers, most of whom are children living in dumpsites and troubled teenagers helped by Peñaflorida himself.
Aside from being nominated in CNN Heroes, he and his group also received many other citations like the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino and Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations awards.
He is passionate about the difference one can make with a good education and faith in God.
DTC’s “Pushcart Classes” promote basic literacy and values education. Their lessons also include demonstrations of basic hygiene, application of first aid, and feeding programs for the children.
As one of the spokespersons for the Ako Mismo advocacy, Peñaflorida also urged everyone to make a difference even in small ways, saying that one can never be too poor, too young, or too old to reach out to others. He said, “You are the change that you dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs.”
Baguio students and other concerned groups responded to his message by donating books and various school supplies for a head start in making a difference. One student even gave some of her savings to support DTC.
During the open forum, Peñaflorida and his friends were one in saying that “Baguio City weather may be cool but the welcome we have received was very warm.”
They told the audience that if they could make a difference in Cavite with a humble pushcart, Baguio residents can also do something to solve the city’s problems.
Logronio, Marchell 23.13 said:
yeah, PRAISE GOD for Kuya Ef and the DTC!!! thank you for the inspiring words you’ve shared with us!!
Raymond A. Banua said:
Kuya Efren, thank you for helping those kids in the streets. No one in this world could ever think and do that. You just inspired me. for real!!! May God Bless you. more power to you and to the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC). ^_^
Ferdinand Chapoco said:
Truly an inspiring example for others Efren and his volunteers are! May the good Lord bless and keep you all healthy, safe during the conduct of you charitable works.
Ignacio Balais iii said:
Congaratulations and good luck to you and your team (DTC). You & your team are God sent. You are an inspiration and great example for our filipino youth and for the youth around the world as well. To us you and your team should be assigned for our country as youth ambassador. Keep it up.
J.Villanueva Cabrera said:
I was from Noveleta, but my Aunt was also from Cavite city, her house was near the cemetery in Caridad ( I think). I am a Methodist, my church is just there at San Antonio. We, together with my cousins, we also used to play as children there at the cemetery, It was still different then, unlike now. We used to call the beach near the cemetery, “Tae beach” because of the dirty surroundings there. Seeing your videos reminds me of that day. I’m rooting for you to win on CNN Heroes 2009. God bless and I hope to meet you someday.
M.Alfaro said:
You will win! I’ve voted for you several times already; and will keep on voting until the deadline. I even asked our Noveleta group, and my CNHS class year to vote for you, Efren.
I’m a CNHS graduate, too, from Noveleta, Cavite.
Edna Loreno said:
efren sana maextend mo pa sa ibang bahagi ng pilipinas ang mga ginagawa mong kawanggawa sa mga pilipino para naman umunlad ang bansa natin at wala nang naghihirap pa.
Susan Limpin said:
Praise the Lord for Efren Penaflorida! He is planting seeds that will grow forever in the hearts of these children and Filipinos all over the Philippines and the entire world!!! He is truly making a Big Change for the betterment of Filipinos from the ground up! Kung hindi natin mabago ang Pilipinas mula sa itaas, gawin natin mula sa ibaba with God’s Grace!!! Halleluiah!!!
I am planning to retire in the Philippines and help the indigents as well and I hope to meet with Efren when that time comes… Lets all help Mr. Penaflorida in making a difference…this is Our Calling!
Jay said:
Very inspiring work. keep it up
I’m very confident that you will won on CNN heroes of the year. I believe in you guys.
S Matakba said:
Who are the leaders of Cavite again? Surely, they also all have done great things to improve the lives of their own people there and perhaps they do have a plan of relocating these people living in a cemetery. They would not like the idea of being identified as the Mayor or the Governor for instance, whenever they mention Efren is from Cavite.
J.Mendiola said:
I have lived in the USA from the Philippines for more than 40 years.
I have seen what gangs and drugs can do. I had to deal with my own daughter who got involved with the wrong crowd and made bad choices in her life. I admire someone like you who really can make a difference through education and just being there for them. Keep it up! I’m hoping to visit and bring my adult children and grandkids there soon. I hope they can see & appreciate life and education in the USA. Younger generation seems to take things for granted and not realize how lucky they are to be in a country that offers the best education in the world.
CRbenabaye said:
You have gone a long way of helping others and were proud of you and your team. But I wish, the Government Agencies would do something to stop these gangs or crooks who are promoting to get the children to join this kind of livelihood.. I know that there are a lot of kids who are so blessed ciming from a well to do families, but they are just wasting their money,and lives getting hooked to drugs/alcohol… I really hope the Responsible Govt. Agencies worked harder and put an END to it.
novel writing said:
Hi Efren, I voted for you in CNN heroes. May you continue to dedicate your life to serve the less fortunate. Keep up the good work. Your life is a novel in writing.
Japa said:
Very inspiring. Let’s vote for Efren, the CNN Hero of the Year.
BROKEN ARROW said:
Ikaw ang tunay na “Pilipino.”
Amy Angeles Kraft said:
” Truly, truly Efren Penaflorida is the pride of all-a genuine
” Perlas ng Silanganan”!”…and combined jewels of the world.
He is the epitomy of all christian believers-a joyful-sacrificial
lamb for the service of the future of tomorrow(youth).”
E. U. Naguit said:
I wish you and your members very well on your endeavors. Hopefully, you and your associates will not allow any politicians to use you and your good deeds to propagate their own agenda. God will continue to guide you as you have served Him well. I will pray for all of you.
peter john escoba said:
wow! this guy is great! really great!
Homer Llaguno said:
Congratulation to team DTC. You’re help makes the difference on our youth today. God bless. My prayer will be with you in your journey.
Tess Warvel said:
God Bless You and your staff for doing the right thing in life. I salute you!
Linda R. Requinta, TPS said:
Congratulations, Teacher Ef! May you live long and increase your tribe. God bless!
zeda said:
Hi kuya Ef!!
truly you’re an inspiration to us.. You did it well and best. You raised the hopes of most of us who are thinking that iliteracy and poverty in the philippines will never be solved without the involvement of all, especially adults..!!
Congratulations po to you and your volunteers.. all salutes to your DTC.. God will bless you more for giving your all..
I would also like to thank and congratulate many others out there with the same advocacy. __
Beguet, CAR
pastor Josh Veloza said:
Congratulations, Kuya Ef. You have insnpired me to pursue my dreams for the Youth here in our Church. God bless you more!
Liza Mayo said:
Indeed, God is using ordinary people to do extra-ordinary task. We just don’t know how much this would impact many lives. Keep up the good work!
Liza Mayo said:
Congrats!!! Indeed, God is using ordinary people to do extra-ordinary task. We just don’t know how much this would impact many lives. Keep up the good work!
Tzarina A. Saniel said:
God Bless you Teacher Efren and volunteers of the Dynamic Teen Company. I hope through your example, many Filipinos would try to live exemplary lives not only for their families but for our Beloved Nation as well. You have confirmed what our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal once said na “Ang Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan.”
LA. Loyola said:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Your labor is not in vain; you hit the top, yet humility is felt in you.
Let the desire to serve others always grow within you for it will make a change in the lives of many. May your aspirations help you to fully trust God who will crown your efforts with success and let you reap the rewards of your endeavors. God bless you!
Lito P. Tan said:
CONGRATS EFREN and to your team!!!
Im proud again to be a Filipino with a person like you have a big heart
to our poor children who cannot go to school. Hope we can make it also
here in our place. Good luck and Congrats again. God loves you EFREN.
GOD BLESS!!!
Denver Calwing said:
I salute You Efren and your company. I just can’t imagine how you came up with such an adriot idea of saving young people from earthly sins, dragging them away from hell. Your initiative, sacrifices and patience drove you on your success. I know many people worldwide has learned a lesson from this one of a kind endeavor. The lesson to care, to give, and to love unconditionally. Never let politicians use your fame, beware from hypocrites who are just their around when harvest comes in.God bless and may your race prosper.keep your feet on the ground and more projects to come.
Marlene Ricucci said:
I can oly imagine how you brought honor to the entire country of the PHILIPPINES but also to our LORD and SAVIOR, YOU ARE THRE REAL HERO…..I was not only crying when i saw you but was so proud of how you gave yourself for the cause OF CHRIST……A real expression of what true love towards other…GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOREVER.
belita c rodiguez from CANADA said:
Dear Efren and all 10,000 volunteers of DTS,I am so proud of you and all.I was watching CNN last night and I am so happy that you were choosen as the Hero of the year. You spoke well and within your heart.I was so touched and trully proud to be a Filipino.You brought so much pride and honor to all us who are filipinos and residing abroad.I am sending some money for DTS.God Bless you all and keep up all the good work .You are all amazing.
Deng Pagalunan said:
Being here in a foreign country, this made my heart warm and big…
Congratulations, I was in the gym this afternoon, surrounded by different nationalities, when i stopped as my attention was caught by a guy wearing a barong in CNN channel.. though i dont have an ear plug, i instantly knew your a Filipino. Wow!
Thank you very much for giving your life for this cause. God bless you and may the Lord continue to enlarge your territory. Keep humble in God’s sight. He is always with you as you continue to grow in every good works.
Thank you as well for all the volunteers of your team. You are all superb! Our country needs men and women of dignified service!
More power!
Faustino Abidog said:
Efren,
You are not only the CNN hero. You are the world’s no. 1 hero. I admire everything you do. If you need my help, please keep in touch.
jossa said:
mabuhay ang mga taong katulad mo kuya efren! i salute you!!! sana ganito tayong lahat…magtutulungang umangat:)
jim calocci said:
you moved the world,with the words you spoke
“our planet is filled with HEROES” touched the globe
“every person has a HERO within”
caused how many people,to enjoy that grin
Elizabeth S. dela Rosa said:
Congratulations: I voted for you too. Isang payo lang: “huwag kang pagagamit sa mga politiko”.
Emil Laroza said:
Hi Efren,
Congratulations to you for being CNN HERO of 2009 !!! I’ve watched CNN award night several times here in Las Vegas, NV. They are showing it many times here and hope not to miss a chance to see it again. I salute you !!! You’re an excellent speaker !!! What the country needs is a person like you who has no greed for self-interest but hungry to help and give yourself not only for the sake of the children but the whole country as well. My advice….please do not enter the politics as this will ruin your genuine public service . You know what I mean.
I hope to help you and your team financially as I can in the near future. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. Say hello to the kids.
Pia said:
Efren and Team,
Job well done faithful servant!!! Give God all the glory in what you do!!!
Thank you for all that you do! May the Lord extend your boundaries even more! God Bless You Efren!
Nina Anson said:
Efren,
It makes me doubly proud to know that you came from the city where I was born and raised. You just don’t know how you make us feel !!!! As I watched you deliver your acceptance speech…..tears welled in my eyes. I thank God for giving you to the City of Cavite !!!! Sana marami ka pang matulungan. Please continue to be an inspiration to all our Kababayans. You really made a big difference in our Ciudad !!!!! Mabuhay ka Efren and muchas gracias !!!
john annaway said:
Congrats for being cnn hero I hope that you will continue your good works. You are the bridge to those children who have no direction in life.
Let light shine before men. Good luck and keep up the good work. Youre the best.
Rick Mendoza said:
Kuya Efren,
There is no words to expressed my gratitude and being proud to be Filipino. You and the entire Dynamic Teen members are the real Hero.
You have inspired every people in planet, you set up a great example to all people in the world. I wish you more power and continue outstanding missions!
I wanted to meet you when I get back to the Philippines to share my blessings. Please let me know how I can reach you.
Homer said:
Mga tulad nyo ang totoong buhay na bayani.
Thank God because there are people like you who are willing to give themselves for a great cause. I salute you all this.
God will sure bless you more in every step / endeavor you will make.
Mabuhay ka!!!
Genaro Q. Bimbo said:
You are the chosen one. I want to meet you someday in the Philippines. Kakaiba ka at sana tularan ka pa ng maraming tao diyan sa Pilipinas. Saludo ako sayo! God bless you always. I want to be your friend. See you! Ewa Beach, Hawaii.
Angelina Palacio said:
Hope to meet you someday and can also make a difference in the
life of our poor needy children, hope our contribution gives more
power to you to help poor children especially those in provinces
Gesell said:
hi, What you did was really amazing…(.^_^.) bihira na ang taong ganyan ang pag-iisip sa kabila ng kahirapang pinagdadaanan natin. The awards that you’ve received tlgang para sayo, no doubt. Hanga tlga aq sayo kuya Ef!!!
Annette said:
What the world needs is someone like you. If, we give a chance to people who are unfortunate the world will be a safer place. People who are born rich do not understand the shared experiences of people like us Efren, May God bless you, and keep up the good work.
Bongd said:
Sana merong course on how to be a hero! Marami tayong cancer sa society like illiteracy, financial slavery, culture of procrastinating, etc. Tama ka, bai Efren, “we are the change that this world needs to be”
Mabuhay ka!
aline baliwas said:
kua ef congratulations!i watched cnn heroes yesterday night it was my first time to watch it and im very proud in all you do as well as the award that you had received may it inspired you more and more bcoz you inspired all the filipinos and made us proud in the whole world may the LORD continue to bless you and your team!
pino said:
You are a hero indeed.
Isabel said:
Efren,
You are God messenger to this world. Indeed, you are making a big difference. I am proud of you my co pinoy of the service you provide and being a good example. God bless you, your team and your family. Hope that I get to meet you and your team when I get to visit PI.
Rowena Fagaragan said:
MABUHAY KA Efren and your team. GOD BLESS YOU in all you do for the less fortunate and for our country, the Philippines.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=30972435&id=1210964876
Rowena Fagaragan said:
May your team serve as an inspiration to others and emulate your initiatives and warm/big hearts
We can all make a difference…small or big. Sharing with you my group’s small way of making a difference. Just a yahoo group I created where fellow townmates all over the world have gathered to make a difference in our little town of Badoc, Ilocos Norte.
http://badocquenos.shutterfly.com/
GOD BLESS US ALL!!!