http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/11/16/cnnheroes.tribute.show/index.html
Watching Mr. Efren Peñaflorida's acceptance speech made me very proud to be a Filipino indeed. His triumph is our nation's triumph and shows how a small group of young Filipinos - the 'Dynamic Teen Company' - thru hardwork, love and servitude and with nothing but a lowly wooden 'kariton' can make a difference and inspire people all around the world.
On the other hand, this victory also puts our politicians aka 'public servants' to shame (they should be ashamed if there is still some vestige of conscience left in their empty, black hearts)...
Efren's cause started years before. Did anybody from the Philippine Government reach out, lend help or even much less, acknowledge his efforts? It's considerably a small project compared to their million-peso funded projects of public highways, public schools, public toilets, etc (which would include the cost of the advertizing banner with their face and name slathered on it). He already gained publicity when he got featured in a local TV program (and consequently won a public service award from a private institution) before becoming one of the top ten contingents in the CNN Hero of the Year, still did anybody from our Government lift a finger to help? Now that he has brought home the bacon, all the politicians, esp. Madame President who were absent before, are clambering to acknowledge and assist his cause, or at least have their photo with him taken. What a shame...
