Efren Peñaflorida, who started a “Kariton Classroom” in Cavite, Philippines to bring education to underprivileged children. has been titled the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year that was held at the Kodak Theatre. The premiere will shown on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the global networks of CNN. The show, which honors the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009, features performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Carrie Underwood, R&B crooner Maxwell and British pop sensation Leona Lewis.

In his acceptance speech, quoted by CNN, Peñaflorida said:

“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”

“So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.“

Peñaflorida will receive $100,000. This will be used to fund his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a volunteer organization that he put up to conduct his “Kariton Klasrum” program.

This is a huge achievement to be incredibly proud of. See what we achieve when we band together for a good cause. Instead of commenting in the different blogs by correcting spellings and grammars which Filipinos love to do, this time we joined forces to vote for Efren. And what he does is really an inspiration for everyone. Let us be that change we dream as Efren Peñaflorida has dreamed for change and jointly the world will be change consequently.