LGC employees welcomes the new year with a hero
The Lina Group of Companies said goodbye to 2009 and welcomed the new year with a mass and a talk from the hero himself, CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida during its People Enrichment Program on January 4, 2010, Monday. The mass was officiated by Fr. Doroteo Andres more popularly known as Father Pogi to the employees. It was a tradition for the presidents of each company to express their greetings or messages to the employees on the first working day of the year. Mrs. Donna May Lina- Flavier (UBE Media), Efren "Jojo" Laviña (Dominance Logix), Mr. Mike Aquino (UFL), Mr. Rudy G. Fulo (Cargohaus and LCTT), Mr. Ben Zeta (IWMI), Mrs. Irene Verceles (Lina Farm), Mr. Manny Alvarez (WARM), Mr. Edgardo Cayton (DOS1), Mr. Johann Ramos (Mail and More), Mr. Guillermo Parayno Jr. (E-Konek) and Mr. Angelito Alvarez (AIR21) gave a round up of the year that was and gave an overview of what we will be expecting from the companies for the coming year.
A hero's visit
Since it was the start of the year, it was the perfect time to inspire the people who came fresh from the holidays to hear a few words from no other than the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida. Efren was awarded for his advocacy to educate the Filipino out-of-school youth through "pushcart classes". Efren started his talk with a brief background on how the whole advocacy started, how he was nominated and how we could be of help to our fellow Filipinos.
Efren emphasized that one's background is not a hindrance to succeed. He proved that with one's determination anything is possible. In his talk he mentioned that young and old can be a hero. He told the story of an 11 year old boy who was going to break his coin bank just to be able to provide slippers for those who have none. This boy even suffered from an accident while in a garbage landfill when he accidentally fell over a burning tire and got his back and arms burned. Much to the surprise of the employees this young hero was also present at the talk and the crowd couldn't help but be wowed with his selfless attitude towards the needy. Of course Efren knew that all the success of his advocacy cannot be credited to a single person. He acknowledged his mentor Bon Manalaysay who guided and helped him with his venture. Bon was also the one who nominated Efren for the CNN Hero of the Year. With that said, Efren pointed out the importance of supporting each other. "Isa po tayong tapestry." he said.
Mr. Alberto D. Lina together with his wife Sylvia presented the plaque of appreciation to Efren for taking the time to give a talk to the employees. Mr. Lina also gave a personal gift to Efren from all the presidents. "Thank you very much Efren for coming and for inspiring us with what you do." said Mr. Lina.
"One is never too ordinary to be a hero." Like Efren he is one ordinary man who made extraordinary things. Kuya F as he is fondly called said, "Be the hero to the next one in need".
Written by:
Angela Nikki A. Robas
UBE MEDIA