Message of Sen. Richard J. Gordon on Efren Penaflorida
voted 2009 CNN Hero of the Year

I warmly congratulate Efren Penaflorida, who was voted as the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. His victory brings pride and honor to the Filipino people.

More importantly, let his win be an inspiration to every Filipino that we can make a difference and that we can be heroes in our own little way. All it takes is to be brave enough to take the first step.

Penaflorida's stance is in line with my own calling that what we need is not just a change of men but a change in men if we want transformation in our society.

Change must start within us. First, it must begin with our attitudes, our values, our way of speaking and our manner of speaking. Then it will manifest in our actions and soon the whole nation will transform.