CNN ‘Hero of the Year’ awardee Efren Peñaflorida shows his trophy to thousands of people who cheered for him during a motorcade for his homecoming celebration in Cavite City Saturday. (Photo by LINUS GUARDIAN ESCANDOR II)

Cable News Network (CNN) ”Hero of the Year” Efren Peñaflorida called on future political leaders to put their power and term in good use to keep the country moving in terms of peace, order, and development.

Thousands of people gathered for Peñaflorida's homecoming celebration over the weekend at the Cavite Provincial Capitol in Trece Martires City and Cavite City.

Peñaflorida grew up and has pushed his “Kariton Klasrum” (Classroom Pushcart) through the years in Cavite City.

An educator and social worker, Peñaflorida was recently adjudged CNN “Hero of the Year.” His kindness, humility, and determination to educate underprivileged children have won the hearts of millions of people in the country and abroad,

Speaking at the Capitol Friday night, Peñaflorida asked the youth to move for reform and the incoming political leaders to use their power and term for the betterment of the country.

“The youth and good leadership, power, and term are big factors. The country and the people would benefit from the goodness that would be done by all concerned,” Peñaflorida said in part in the vernacular.

The “hero” also called on the peoplene to do the best in their works and endeavors and move for progress.

Governor Ayong S. Maliksi, Vice Gov. Dencito Campaña and other provincial officials welcomed Peñaflorida at the Capitol.

More than 5,000 young and elderly residents cheered for Peñaflorida during his three-hour stay in the area. Peñaflorida, a bachelor, came in simple attire.

During the ceremonies, teachers, students, and some politicians rendered a special tribute to Peñaflorida.

Everyone called Peñaflorida a modern-day revolutionary and hero, his performance an inspiration and vision “a new hope for the country and the people.”

In his message, Peñaflorida vowed to pursue his education advocacy and "Kariton Klasrum" project in the country.

The Hero carried a miniature of the "Kariton Klasrum" which, he said ,was made by his friend Michael Advincula.

He claimed that Advincula was a former gangster who later became the treasurer of the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a group that he formed and has worked with through the years.