The Philippine Online Chronicles

The government today announced that it will confer to newly-awarded CNN hero, Efren Peñaflorida, the highest state honor – Order of Lakandula upon his return to the country.

“President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo joins the entire nation in congratulating Efren Peñaflorida for having been named CNN Hero of the Year... Efren has indeed proven that any individual can help make a difference in the world. He has also shown the world the best of the Filipino,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde read in his statement.

Peñaflorida bested nine other international contenders for the plum CNN Hero of the Year Award given by the American television giant. The 28-year-old educator from Cavite received worldwide citation for his alternative education endeavor, 'Kariton Klasrum' – a classroom cum library on wheels.

The Order of Lakandula is the one of the highest forms of recognition given by the president to Filipinos, and even foreigners, who embody the “responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one's people.”

Past awardees include: World billiards champion, Efren “Bata” Reyes; Tony-awarded theater actress, Leah Salonga; Bowling World Cup champion, Rafael “Paeng” Nepumuceno and more recently, Brunei Royalty, Sultan Bolkiah