Manila: President Rodrigo Duterte wants “pushcart classrooms” originator and 2009 CNN awardee Efren Penaflorida to head the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor, said the palace. “The President has expressed his desire to appoint somebody who hails from the poor and marginalised sector to the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP),” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said on Sunday. On Friday, Duterte said he wants Penaflorida to head the PCUP after he sacked its chairman, Terry Ridon over alleged excessive travels. “The President made mention that he wants someone who can contribute in solving the problems of the poor and activate pro-poor programmes such as the one featured by CNN known for his “pushcart classrooms”, Roque said. Growing up in urban poor surroundings in Don Gallo, Paranaque, Penaflorida suffered from bullying but was able to finish schooling.

Source: CNN December 17, 2017 09:56 UTC