CNN Hero builds 2 learning centers

EFREN Penaflorida, the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, is building two learning centers, one in Cavite and the other in Manila, this year.

In an exclusive interview with Efren, he told Sun.Star that they are building half-way houses from the money he got from CNN for winning the Hero of the Year trophy.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

“Gusto namin na mas-i-iprove pa yung system so eventually it will be a nationwide thing. Hopefully mas maging maayos yung foundation ng education in each community,” he said.

Only last week, Efren and the rest of his team attended the groundbreaking activity in Quezon City.

The bulk of his prize was used to pay for the lawn of the learning center.

Efren shared that a lot of people are now inspired to replicate his “kariton-classroom” idea and that they are helping them replicate the whole thing.

“Mas maraming nai-inspire to replicate the ‘kariton’ concept and dun talaga kami busy sa replicating it and ngayon yung learning center.”

The CNN Hero of the Year added that education is very important because it will open doors for success.

“Education kasi if you will love it and embrace it, it will love and embrace you back and it will enable you to change your world,” he said. “Yun love for learning and importance of education will really do big things for the kids. This is an immediate concern for everyone na dapat tutukan kasi it will open doors for opportunities for everybody.”

Life story in MMK

His life story was featured in the February 27 episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK).

Young actor Enchong Dee played his character.

Efren said he was thrilled seeing other people give life to his real life story and he's very proud of what MMK came up with.

“It was inspiring and touching, yung pagkakagawa and talagang nakita natin kung gaano binigay ni Enchong yung best niya sa pag portray nung buhay ko,” he said.

Efren told CNN about it and said they are very happy that his life story was featured in a TV-movie.

“Nag uupdate yung CNN, kasi every now and then eh tumatawag naman sila and sinabi ko nga. They are proud na yung buhay ko eh ginawang TV-movie," he said. “We will be sending a copy of that.”

When asked if he's open to join showbiz, the CNN hero has this to say: “Wala, pero may mga pasaring.”

But he was quick to add that his doors are open if a project will be offered to him. “Yes, as long as its in line with education.” (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)