Efren Peñaflorida grins as he gets a warm welcome from his parents upon arrival last Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from the United States where he was chosen as CNN Hero of the Year. (Photo by POL BRIANA JR.)

CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida Jr., the teacher and social worker who won international accolades for uplifting the lives of underprivileged children through education, is back in the country to continue his pioneering and noble mobile education advocacy.

Peñaflorida arrived onboard a Northwest Airlines flight NW281 from Los Angeles, California which landed at the NAIA at 11:25 p.m. He was met at the airport by his parents, Lucia and Efren Sr.

More than 150 kids, including 30 of his co-mentors from the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), had gathered at the airport as early as 8 p.m. Wednesday to welcome Peñaflorida upon his arrival from the US.

Cavite Governor Ayong Maliksi was on hand at the airport to greet the Cavite native.

When Peñaflorida finally stepped out of the terminal, the crowd erupted into cheers, rising to their feet to greet their hero. The kids, numbering 120 or more, all chanted “My Mentor, my mentor.”

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support Peñaflorida, or ‘Kuya F’ to his wards, was almost speechless as he approached his friends and relatives, but was still able to give everyone a hug while thanking the crowd for their support.

“Ordinaryong tao lang po tayo. Hindi po naiiba. Patuloy tayong magtutulak at lalakad at mag-tuturo sa kalye” said the unassuming social worker who was in his usual “regular guy” get up of denim jeans and round neck t-shirt.

When asked what he will do with the $100,000 grant from CNN, Peñaflorida said he will proceed with the construction of a learning center and continue his advocacy of providing free education for children in the slums.

Peñaflorida said his group will build more “Kariton Classrooms” so they could teach more kids and prevent them from joining gangs.

With his accolades and new found popularity, Peñaflorida was asked if he now has plans of entering politics. His answer, “I have no plans of entering politics. I’m already happy in helping kids by giving them free education.”

Penaflorida's mother Lucila, a homemaker who came with her husband Efren Sr., a tricycle driver, said she is very pleased with her son's achievements. “Proud na proud ako sa anak ko at naging superman siya.”

President Arroyo is set to confer Friday the Order of Lakandula on Peñaflorida.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said the 28-year-old pushcart educator will receive the order of political and civic merit for his leadership and resolve in bringing education to poor children in Cavite.

Cavite also plans to fete its hometown hero.

Local officials will cite and honor Peñaflorida in ceremonies this afternoon at the Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City.

Governor Ayong Maliksi, Vice Governor Dencito Campaña and the provincial board members will lead the welcome ceremonies for Peñaflorida at the Capitol starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

Alda Lou Cabrera, head of the Provincial Information Community Affairs Department (PICAD), said that a program and dinner are set for Peñaflorida.

Some 5,000 people from different cities and towns of the province are expected to welcome the hero at the Capitol grounds. Invited to the ceremonies are Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas and other government officials.

Cabrera said that during the ceremonies, Maliksi and Campaña will hand a check for P1-million to Peñaflorida for his “Kariton Klasrum” (Pushcart Classroom) project.

He will also be designated as provincial education consultant and head of the Learning Center for Indigent Kids that will be built at the Computer Learning Center site in Imus town, said Cabrera.

Welcome ceremonies are also set for Peñaflorida Saturday at Cavite City Hall. Mayor Bernardo Paredes and the other city officials have also prepared a citation program for the Hero, said Cavite City Tourism Coordinator Remedios Ordoñez. (With reports from Charissa Luci and Anthony Giron)