RP needs a Peñaflorida: Puno
AN Efren Peñaflorida is what the Philippines needs, said Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Reynato Puno, who spoke before members of the Philippine Association of Court Employees (PACE) at the Cebu International Convention Center yesterday.
Puno said a “transformational leader” like Peñaflorida is what the country needs and should be the kind of leader Filipinos vote for in the 2 010 elections.
Peñaflorida was a finalist in the Cable News Network (CNN) Heroes feature, about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
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Peñaflorida, 28, educated the youth to keep them from being gang members. Instead of a classroom, this Filipino hero used a pushcart where he traveled to the slums of Manila.
“To ensure peaceful and honest elections, let us assist the people’s search for a transformational leader,” said Puno.
While still 10 months away from choosing the country’s next leader, Puno reminded court employees that the judiciary should become “the center of gravity in the moral order.”
Thousands of court employees from all over the country gathered for the opening of the 13th PACE national convention, which will run until Friday.
“The judiciary should be actively promoting the rule of law… It is our legal and moral duty not to resort to the law of the jungle,” Puno said.
To ensure that court employees will not be seduced into corruption, the SC launched the Integrity Development Review of the Judiciary (IDR), which examines the employees’ integrity, institutional weaknesses, and court functions in terms of vulnerability to corruption.
Information will shape programs that will guard the courts against corruption.
The IDR is now in Davao City, said Puno, but will soon visit Cebu for the Visayas leg of the assessment.
Benefits
Puno, in his speech, mentioned improvements in its services, particularly for its people.
Between January and June this year, P100 million more was shelled out for the employees.
The amount covered an expanded health and welfare plan, increased rice allowance, emergency economic assistance fund, anniversary allowance and the grocery allowance.
In her opening remarks, PACE president Virginia Rafael asked for an SC guest house as well as the signing of the salary standardization law.
She admitted that during a dinner with Puno Tuesday night, she also outlined more projects that needed the direction of the chief justice.
Puno even joked that it seemed like Rafael would not allow him to retire next year, because of the numerous projects being asked for.
“I was given a long laundry list of things to do to help improve the administration of justice… I cannot do everything she was ordering me to do,” he said.
Puno, though, acknowledged the strength of PACE, which has over 25,000 members.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia also praised the “well-organized and well-attended” convention.
She welcomed the delegates, saying, “Everybody seems to be looking for an excuse to come to Cebu.”
Also present were Regional Court Administration’s Office Chief Cresencio Tan, Cebu City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Meinrado Paredes and Municipal Trial Court in Cities Executive Judge Oscar Andrino. PACE 7 is represented by Belinda Go.
mom from mindanao said:
Thank you for inspiring all of us. You and your team are great and really have touched our lives here.
Good news! good news!
Jermichael Libos said:
I am so touched by your story and your advocacy.
The Filipinos really regard you as our modern day hero.
Puno is right all along. May your tribe increase.
God bless you sir.
KAYE MACANYANG said:
Way to go. You are our new idol Mr. Efren. Thanks for enlightening us.
You are the CHANGE and we will follow your lead.
gregory dominic santi said:
idol! idol! idol!
dapat kang tularan ng mga kabataan.
ang mga bulok na politiko ay mahiya naman!
ang kakapal nila at salamat dahil sinampal mo silang lahat para sa amin.
pagpatuloy mo yan idol.
Billy Roman - Oslo, Norway said:
It makes me so happy to know that there are Filipinos especially young people like you who create a difference in the lives of others. We need people like you who can give an unconditional and unselfish service to other people. Kudos to you Efren and to your friends. We have the same passion reaching out to others. God bless your group. May it be that many young Filipinos will emulate you and will become someone who can give transformation in his own family which will eventually create a big impact in the transformation of the entire nation.
pabile said:
Finally! An organization worthy of praises and blessings. If there is anything that I can assist you with, my fellow Caviteños, please let me know. [You have my email and website registered.]
Salamat Ka Efren sa panununo ng isang grupong tunay ang layunin. Ipinagdadasal ko na huwag sana mabahiran ng pulitika ang iyong mahal na groupo.
More power!
Guiamela said:
Cant express how I much appreciate your heroism Sir Efren. You are right that everyone has his own hero within, but the courage and power to put into action is lacking. Please feel free to let me know if there something i can be of assistance.
purplewater said:
How can i be part of DTC? I wanted to help.
joey said:
I salute you and your group ka efren for making the difference in a lot
of young filipino’s lives. Keep it up! You really are a hero…..
please don’t let any politician use you and the group this coming
election…
thank you so much ka efren…
god bless you and your group…
Zeny said:
May the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY bless abundantly your DTC and may your tribe increase.
Mitch said:
Efrem,
What kind of books do you need for your project? Give me details.
Hear from you soon.
Miguel said:
I am also a teacher of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija but your advocacy really inspired me. As we attend the 1st Teachers Congress in Palayan City that We, as Teachers are the Modern Heroes. Keep it up Sir. Baka pwede rin me makatulong sa DTC
Bagz said:
Kudos!
I really appreciate your effort in touching others lives and it inspire me to do things to CHANGE and make a difference.
May mga bayani nakatayo sa kanto na hindi lang natin napapnsin.
Sana lahat ng tayo maging tulad mo ka Efren para tunay na karunungan at kapayaan ay makamatan.
may God bless you always.
jay said:
God bless you Efren……
Nollee . said:
Efren, I am so much fascinated of your effort and creativity on the concept and undeerstanding of the needs of the underpriveledge
children. I can relate to what you want to accomplish, as I myself was a Social Worker in the slums of Metro Manila
This time in age no body can match what you are doing
I salute you and I would like to meet you in person and get more insight as to what your needs are and hopefully
I can be of help More power to you and CONGRATULATIONSi VOTED FOR YOU AND ALL MY FRIENDS SO EXPECT THAT YOU
WILL BE THE WINNER. yOU ARE OUR HERO…..
GIL said:
MABUHAY KA EFREN and company ! HOW CAN I BE PART OF DTC. Gusto kong tumulong for DTC. Let me know your contact information. MAY YOU HAVE MORE BLESSING FROM ALMIGHTY GOD.
CARMELO L. ALTEA said:
MABUHAY ANG DAKILANG HERO NG CAVITE AT NG PILIPINAS….
IKAW ANG KUNSIYENSA NG MGA PILIPINO….AT NAIMULAT MO KAMI SA PAMAMARAAN NA KAYA TALAGA NATIN MAGING KA AYA AYA S A MAG KABATAAN….. ANG DIYOS AY NASA IYO DAHIL ANG PUSO MO ANG PINAIRAL … HINDI ANG UTAK NA MADALAS ANG SIMULA SA MAGULONG DESISYUN AT DISPOSISYUN NA GUMAGABAY AT UMAASA MGA TAONG NA NGANGAILANGAN NG TULONG…
Jlondon said:
Free School Education for all Pilipino Youth!… Mabuhay ka Efren! Sana lahat ng Leader natin katulad mo! your deeds is beyond measure!.
Helen Altamirano said:
Hello! I want to donate but I forgot my paypal account. Do you have another type of receiving donations? I have visa credit card. Please email me back. Thanks. Helen
Nollee R. Pagaduan. said:
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
We are so proud of you – the Filipino people
Nollee R. Pagaduan. said:
I just watched you on CNN, Efren you are so deserving of the
honor to win the price. I can very well relate to what you want to
accomplish. You are an Outlier. I salute you – CNN hero of the year
jodel said:
Hi Efren!
Taas kamay ako syo!
Maraming salamat!
Philip M. Reyes said:
A grand salute to you Sir Efren.I read and watch all the articles and videos documentations for your group DTC in a teary eye. You are really a worldwide living hero!!!What a great achievement!!!. You are a true statesman who thinks of the next generation unlike those crooked politicians who thinks of the next election.
River said:
You are the person God wants to multiply in this world. Your character and values reflected HIS image and HIS personality. GOD gave you the TRUE mission to reach the unreached people through educating the KIDS.
You inspired all of us to go on doing God’s mission in our own little way and not to be weary.
GOD BLESS YOU!!! I will always pray for you.
joeyM said:
Congratz sir EFREN you’re the true hero, i salute your company. Hope your company become more big to help more street children’s to give an education and to guide theme in right direction of life. You and your team makes Filipino proud around the world.
MABUHAY ka sir EFREN!!!!
JCJ123 said:
Hi Efren,
I was inspired by what you are doing….you are indeed a hero! That’s a bit parallel to what I planned previously but instead of school I plan to build many free hospital nationwide, wherein the poor is the main client and patient of that supposed hospital that never came into reality. Maybe because I’m trying to be the central character on that plan and not the Almighty God in Heaven. Being an OFW in Australia previously as a professional God had opened my heart into Christianity in that far away place…..I still have that plan though and I pray that God will show the way.
I would like to help your group as well by contributing my skill in teaching. I was a design software trainer by private companies here and abroad previously maybe I can share and teach computer softwares to the bright poorest kids here in Manila.
You can contact me thru my e-mail if you want to discuss this further.
andy said:
Congratulations!!! When my family and I were watching the CNN news declaring you as the winner of the 2009 CNN Hero, we all have teary eyes. You made us proud to be Filipinos. I hope that the accolade bestowed upon you will serve as an inspiration and avenue to other Filipinos to follow what you are doing of selflessly helping the underprivileged children in our society. Keep up the excellent work!
Liezel said:
Congrats! CNN Hero! Sana we could start here in Cebu something like what you have started in Cavite. You are truly an inspiration. God Bless!
Mitchell said:
Congratulations Efren! You are one of a kind… In todays world, you can’t blame somebody to doubt your intentions and integrity… I for one had some skeptisms about your intentions. But honestly, as I started reading your humble beginnings, I realized and was convinced that you are an authentic hero. I salute you… I’m a kind of person who’s very diffucult to please but it did not take long for me to admire and believe you…
I am so happy that there are still people like you… I know that the price you’ve won from CNN would go a long way but I am still willing to give my little contribution… I know it will be in good hands. Please email me your bank account or whatever mechanics that I should do to send my little contribution.
Thanks and God Bless!!!
carmela said:
I really want to get involved with what Kuya Ef is aiming for. Hopefully his projects will be launched in Cebu soon!!! I remember him mentioning about his ‘Kariton Klasrum’ going nationwide. Hopefully I’d be able to volunteer myself as soon as it is launched here.
CONGRATULATIONS din pala Kuya Efren!!! You are a big inspiration!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS…AND THE PEOPLE YOU’RE HELPING OUT!
I am only 13 years old, but I hope I could help out as much as you do.
:]]]]
Monina Pabalate said:
Congratulations! You deserved it to become a CNN Hero of the Year. Keep up the good works….the eyes of the Lord is on the righteous. Sana matularan ko rin ang mga goals mo. Alam ko marami din mga katulad mo ang may mabuting puso na nais tumulong sa kapwa. Tama ka sa sinabi everyone can be a hero in his own special way whether it be great or small.
More power to DTC!
Flora said:
Hi Kuya Ef saludo kami sayo. Ipagpatuloy mo ang mabuti mong adhikain sana marami pa ang mabago ang buhay dahil sa ipinaglalaban nyo.
God Bless!
Farah said:
Congratulation Kuya F! WOW! ITS AMAZING FEELING.. our HERO..you really desrved it!! i was really touched, and everytime i read your stories, i always cried..really inspiring and i will admire and support your advocacy…I pray for you..Hope to see you guys when i get back home..
Thank you for making us proud. God Bless!!
Brian Tanig said:
Kuya Ef
I salute you..
Thanks for the inspiration.. I watched your UNANG HIRIT guesting a while ago haha.. Keep helping, educating and inspiring
Rene U. - California, USA said:
Congratulations, Efren for being such an extraordinary HERO. The world needs more people like you, who have concern and compassion for the poor.
You are such an outstanding role model for all young people not only in our country but around the world. You have made all Filipinos around the world real proud.
Keep up the good work and God bless you always!
RNCAHIWAT,MD said:
DEAR EF:
YESTERDAY WAS THANKSGIVING DAY BUT WAS HOME SICK WHICH WAS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE BECAUSE IT WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE TO HAVE WATCHED THE CNN HERO OF 2009!
IT MADE ME TRULY PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO, AND I AM PROUD OF YOU. THERE IS HOPE FOR US. LET ME KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP.
consolacion padilla said:
congratulations efren, GOD BLESS YOU! i am so proud of you, you open the eyes of our heart.
nida said:
Dear Efren,
Thank you very much for your selflessness.i myself is more inspired now to help somebody in need.i told my children about you and what you’re doing.i want to instill in their young minds the spirit of generosity & sharing of God’s blessings.
I like your meaningful speech.it bring tears to my eyes everytime i read it.you make us proud Filipinos abroad.More power to DTC and may God bless you always.
eliseo cordero said:
Way to go, Efren. Congratulations! Instead of cursing the darkness, we should do what you have done, to light a candle. I’m happy to see that candle lighting others and spreading throughout the country.
Jimmy Ilano said:
Hi kuya F! Congratulation, god bless!!!
Arnold Villarino said:
Your the man! A true hero that inspires us,CONGRATULATIONS i had no doubt that you can achieve it. Your a good example of the youth today
i hope that your team the Dynamic team company could visit Cebu, also we wish to have Dynamic team company here in Cebu. GOD BLISS YOU and your TEAM always
NHL of Toronto Canada said:
Binigyan mo nang sigla ang bawat puso at kaisipan namin na para tumulong sa iba. Naalala ko tuloy yung panatang makabayan nang ako ay nag aaral pa sa Elementary. Nasa isip at namutawi sa salita mo at higit sa lahat nasagawa mo ang pagtulong sa iba na hindi naging hadlang ang kahirapan para gawin ito.
i wonder what are the foundations that made you all these things to do to help others? Please give some advise.
Congratulations Efren!
You know what i also want to Congratulate your Parents because they signifcantly contributed and influenced you to what you are now. I have great respect and admiration to a Parent like your Parent. I admired my parents because they guide and help me for what i am now. I salute to Mr and Mrs Penaflorida, parent of Efren.
Ang galing mo Bro! How i wish to personally meet you come Feb, next year.
Filipino in Portland said:
I am so glad to know you got this award! May God continue to bless you and the work you do. You make me proud to be a Filipno! We need more people like you to run our country.
edgardo castro said:
Hi Efren,
Congratulations, once again you proved to the world how strong filipinos despite of all challenges we have in the Philippine.
You have open hope not only for those street children, but also for us who felt the same passion for them.
I may have to challenge you, where you go from here. You have awaken this heroism in us.
I want to set up same “kariton klasrum” may area which consider like slum area in Manila.
I would just like the process that had worked for you.
Ill be at Philippines by February. I would like to visit and talk to DTC.
It would be great to have the details in setting up same onlined.
Mabuhay Efren!
Ed Castro
Dubai OFW
Tintin said:
I’m blessed to hear how the Lord is using you to be a channel of His blessing to many lives! By God’s grace may you continue shine your light and be a salt to our nation! May your influence and leadership empowers other as well to be the leader God wants them to be. May the Lord grant the desires of your heart as you continue to please Him. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path…God bless you, your family and your DTC group! To God be all the glory!
Nollee R. Pagaduan. said:
I will be in Manila in January 2010 and would like to meet you or your representative and maybe discuss what we can
contribute to help in your goals to uplift the underpriveleged
children of the Philippines.
Annie Raquepo Tomelden said:
Hi Efren,
If we beleive in ourself that we can achieve our goals I know the LORD from above will help us to fulfill it. CONGRTULATIONS Ka Ef. Me, my entire n my family n my co-workers are so proud of a person like you. I pray to GOD that HE will bless you all the days of your life if you just continue being helpful and true to everyone. Hope to meet you sometimes. Good luck and have a successful years to come.
Mandy Servito said:
Congratulations Efren, very well deserved. You really are the hero of the Philippines today. Ginising mo ang mga Filipinos. Please don’t get into politics. You are already a great leader and many people will be with you to continue your projects. You can build real schools now for these unfortunate kids and many people will help you. We Filipinos who are living abroad want to help and we need people like you to accept our donation because we know that it will go to the real needy people. Please continue on and we will be with you all the way. I admire you and I salute you. Angel Locsin should be proud of you!!!
Margie C said:
I want to help paano ba mag-umpisa i live here abroad send money to family and thinking how can i make them give the money to you
reply pls.. and thanks for all your hardwork