CNN Hero of the Year, Robbed

Unfortunate as it is, many Filipinos cannot afford education leaving them ignorant and illiterate. Small children roam the streets begging alms, doing labor, rummaging the garbage for pieces they could sell on junk shops and worst as it sounds, for food when they should be in school learning the alphabet. While others worry about exams, they worry of survival day by day seeing education as an impossibility, a dream. This is how it is in my country.

But one young man refused to sit idly and watch. Through his push carts, he held classes for these children. Along with the members of the organization, Dynamic Teen Company, they push the cart under the glaring sun and pouring rain, to give education and hope to these street children. And just recently his efforts and dedication to social service was given recognition not only in our country but around the world, inspiring and teaching many, that in small, little ways we can do and change the world one day at a time.

Efren Penaflorida, the push cart man, received the CNN of the Year award and thousands of accolades coming from different countries. He was also awarded money amounting to $100,000 to which he used for his organization.

Despite his noble efforts to help, I shook my head in disgust as I hear the news tonight of Efren Penaflorida, the CNN Hero of the year, got robbed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

It mirrors how people go lengths to put food in their stomach to do such on someone who spends his time and energy for others. It mirrors how poor in pockets and moral our countrymen have become.

Seeing the news disappointed me. The lack of support and respect he received after what he's doing. But that's just how it goes. Beyond all this, I have learned from Efren that little ways can go lengths. The moment others start to lose hope, you hand them your help and revive their hope. The moment we start losing hope, we lose life.

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