A hero’s welcome awaits Efren Peñaflorida, the “kariton” (pushcart) educator, when he arrives in Cavite, his home province, this coming Friday.

Peñaflorida, who was recently adjudged the CNN Hero of the Year, is scheduled to arrive Manila at 10:30 p.m.Thursday.

The Hero of the Year recognition was given to Peñaflorida during the third annual "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" at the Kodak theater in Hollywood last Saturday night.

Peñaflorida, who is known as "Kuya Ef," is set to meet Governor Ayong S. Maliksi at the Cavite Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City and Mayor Bernardo Paredes at the Cavite City Hall after his meeting with President Arroyo on Friday, said Cavite City Tourism Coordinator Remedios Ordoñez.

“The people of Cavite is proud of him (Peñaflorida), he’s one of a kind. A hero’s welcome and citations are set for the well-loved loved Caviteño,” said Ordoñez.

Peñaflorida, 28, is a resident of Julian Felipe Boulevard, Barangay Caridad, Cavite City. He started his now famous “Kariton Klasrum” (Pushcart Classroom) in the city.

The hero is an education advocate who teaches deprived street children wherever he and the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) go with his “Kariton Klasrum.”

Peñaflorida left teaching at a private school in Bacoor town and formed the DTC in 1997. He led the Bible study for children before he went on with his “Kariton Klasrum” project.

The hero and the DTC have encouraged children to study with them instead of wandering on streets. The “kariton” they push carries a mini-library and other teaching materials. Through the years, they have taught countless of out-of-school children in the city.

Peñaflorida bested nine other contenders for the hero award launched by CNN after getting the highest number of online votes of 2.75 million.

The hero was given US$100,000 as an incentive.

He said he plans to use 90 percent of the cash for the DTC's projects and the remaining 10 percent for the needs of a church in Cavite City.

“I intend to put up a simple learning center in the area and help the poor children,” said Peñaflorida.

Cavite City residents described Peñaflorida as “a good, humble, patient and responsible teacher.”

The officials said the people should emulate the performance of Peñaflorida.

Maliksi and Paredes tagged Peñaflorida as one of the "Cavite greats."

In recognition of his noble endeavor and feat, the local officials said they would cite and give awards for Peñaflorida during the welcome ceremonies.

The Cavite City government will also give Peñaflorida the symbolic “Kariton Klasrum” during the ceremonies, said Ordoñez.