2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida, the Filipino “pushcart classroom” educator will also be receiving the Order of Lakandula Award in the hero’s welcome by Malacanang. The ceremony will be lead by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself.
Peñaflorida’s selection was revealed by CNN’s Andenson Cooper at the conclusion of the third annual “CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute” at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on November 21.
The Filipino CNN Hero of the Year who will receive US$100,000., is in addition to the US$25,000 he is entitled of as one of the top ten nominees, to continue his work with the Dynamic Teen Company.
He announced that 10% of his winning will go to his Parish in Cavite, the others will be for the children who are beneficiaries of his kariton klasroom.
The other top ten CNN Heroes include Brad Blauser who provides hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Army veteran Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida.
Bartender Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women.
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times by handing out free meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens. (PIA)
