The news that Efren Penaflorida is named CNN’s 2009 Hero of the Year almost broke me to tears. Yes, I was that affected even if I don’t know “Kuya Ef” personally. In my previous blog posts in my other blog, I have always reiterated the importance of education and how disgusted I was (still am) at the Philippine government’s slow action in pushing literacy in this country.
Efren represents the other unsung heroes out there who due the government’s inaction took it into their own hands and acted on the literacy problem. One of them is Bahay Tuluyan which I did a feature on Sunday Inquirer Magazine a few months back. BT is more advanced with a mobile (truck) classroom because it has funding from Australia. Still, Efren’s Dynamic Teen and BT share the same premise.
I must say the government is lucky that there are people and organizations that fill in where they are lacking. But my challenge for the politicians is, why can’t you think life Efren? Why can’t you be selfless for once and think of the Filipino youth?
If we all think and breathe like Efren, where could possible the Philippines lead? We are probably more progressive now. Poverty level could be much lower since it is proved that education is the easiest way out of destitution. We could have an effective government that implements laws.
While Bayani Fernando’s answer to Efren’s question of how to become a hero is disgusting, I haven’t given up on the Philippines yet.
Goodness is a virus as evidenced by the recent typhoons which affected hundreds of thousands. Efren is right that there is a hero within us. Actually, we don’t have to do big things just to become a hero. Shying away from corruption is a heroic deed. You don’t have to be a boxing legend to be a hero. Following laws and rules can be considered a heroic act.
What if we all think like Efren?
What if all government officials think like Efren? Do you think they can save the country from the mire of corruption?
What if we all think like Efren? Do you think we can give much better education on children at no cost?
What if we all think like Efren? Do you think there’ll be no more of the scandals and controversies?
I hope, even if we don’t think like Efren, we can still think of ways to save this country. I still dream of the day when I can live without fear and disgust.
