MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte wants Efren Peñaflorida, a 2009 CNN Hero of the Year awardee known for his efforts in educating kids in slums, to head the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor. According to Roque, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go has been tasked to look for Peñaflorida, who started the “Kariton Klassroom” to bring education to poor children. In 2009, Peñaflorida was selected as CNN Hero of the Year after getting the highest number of online votes, which reached 2.75 million in seven weeks. Duterte’s decision to appoint Peñaflorida came after he fired all commissioners of the PCUP because of alleged unnecessary trips and their supposed failure to hold meetings. According to the president, dismissed PCUP chairperson Terry Ridon traveled seven times since being appointed in September last year.

Source: Philippine Star December 16, 2017 08:03 UTC