Press releases
Sun Life lauds ‘Pinoy’ heroism
Real heroism is not simply about death-defying feats, but is about making a positive difference and improving lives. It is with this noble thought that Sun Life Financial-Philippines paid tribute to the first Filipino to cop CNN’s Hero of the year top prize Efren Geronimo Penaflorida, Jr., whose inspiring story has earned for the country great pride and joy.During his brief visit to the Sun Life Philippines headquarters in Makati where he was presented a cash donation in support of the activities of the Dynamic Teen Company, one which he founded and currently heads, Efren narrated his most gratifying experience as a top awardee. For an ordinary individual just wanting to help, the recognition was indeed a wonderful gift, Efren noted.
| Kuya Ef with SLFP Execs. L-R: Chief Strategic Marketing Officer Greg Martin, President and CEO Riza Mantaring, CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida Jr., Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Mari-an Albert and Chief Agency Distribution Officer Alex Narciso. |
Efren was born the middle child of Efren Peñaflorida Sr., a tricycle driver, and Lucila Geronimo, a housewife. The family eventually started a small noodle business to make ends meet. Efren grew up in an urban slum near an open dump site in Cavite City, Cavite, playing amongst garbage and swimming in polluted waters. He would often fall victim to neighborhood bullying. Peñaflorida was one of World Vision's sponsored-children during his early childhood.
Efren completed his elementary and high school education through the help of scholarships and financial assistance, and received several class awards and honors. In 2000, he graduated from San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite with a degree in Computer Technology, receiving highest honors.
In commenting about the CNN award, Efren attributed this accomplishment to his mentor and friend Kuya Bonn who first broached the idea of street education way back in the 80s. “Kuya Bonn served as our inspiration all these years and this CNN honor happened all because of his enduring passion to help the underprivileged,” Efren noted.
Efren also cited the great work that his co-volunteers in the Dynamic Teen Company have done so far in helping educate the wayward and underprivileged Filipino youth via a “’kariton’ classroom. The Dynamic Teen Company, formed in 1997, offers Filipino youth an alternative to street gangs through education, recreating school settings in unconventional locations such as cemeteries and trash dumps.
It is this noble concept of using a pushcart to impart learnings to street gangsters that attracted CNN to give the top plum to a Filipino in November 2009 as part of the news network's program to honor individuals who make extraordinary contributions to help others.
For her part, Sun Life Financial-Phils. President & CEO Rizalina Mantaring congratulated Efren and his Dynamic Teen Company for endeavoring to provide a good alternative to teen violence in the streets. “Sun Life has always upheld its mission to give every Filipino, specially the youth, the opportunity to learn, be resilient and be creative in dealing with life. The ‘kariton’ classroom is one great example of heroism anchored on public service that is sincere, humble and with great passion to making this a better world to live in,” Mantaring said.
