Flashnews…one vote makes a big difference to the Filipino youths

FEW DAYS AGO I READ A JOURNAL ON THE PHILIPPINES’ NATIONAL HEROES DAY – 31 August written by Lester Cavestany  thru his blogsite. Lester is one of the OFWs and his last employment abroad is a teaching position in Vietnam. He is back in the Philippines to work in a nonprofit organisation, Education Volunteers for Educating Filipinos, Inc.

Lester’s journal (original posted on 26 August 2007) is very timely considering that we have another PINOY HERO to be recognised in the name of EFREN PENAFLORIDA! Efren is one of the aspiring living heroes around the world chosen by CNN.COM International for this year’s award. According to CNN site, a panel of judges reviewed this year’s nominees in terms of their accomplishment, impact, and personal motivation for service to others. Twenty individuals were advanced to an independent Blue Ribbon Panel, which was asked to select the ten individuals to be honored as the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009. Each of these ten awardees will receive $25,000 in recognition of their work. If Efren successfully chosen as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes and if he received the most votes, then he will get an additional $100,000. The winners will be revealed in Thanksgiving night, during CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute program.

What’s Efren story that inspired CNN to share it to the world? Efren and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets in Cavite (Philippines). Their main tool: A pushcart classroom (Kariton Klasrum)! Since 1997, his Dynamic Teen Company has some 10,000 members and taught more than 1,500 children in slums which the organization is supported by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle.

For details, watch the embedded video from CNN Video and DONT FORGET TO CAST YOUR VOTES! THERE IS NO LIMITATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF VOTES AND SHARE THIS NEWS TO YOUR FRIENDS TOO! CLICK HERE TO VOTE… OR CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW.

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FINALLY, looking back to Lester’s journal, he has an important message for Filipinos. He says that:

“it is time to shift our focus away from heroes who have died for the Motherland and turn our eyes towards the heroes who are still in our midst. The one who are still alive! He adds up that  we must highlight the achievements or the services of our modern-day Filipino heroes – individuals who have led successful lives for themselves, for their families, for their community, for their countrymen, and ultimately, for the country. YOU CAN BE A HERO TOO!”

UPDATES: Efren became the first Filipino to be chosen as the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year.  For details, CLICK  HERE.

~ by reymos on October 7, 2009.