Social worker and teacher who is known for his contributions to the young Filipino community, where he teaches alternatives to crime and gang life. In 1997, he founded the Dynamic Teen Company with fellow high school classmates.
In 2000, he graduated from San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite with a degree in computer technology. He then earned a master's degree in secondary education from Cavite State University, Cavite City in 2006.
In 2009, he was named the CNN Hero of the Year. He was awarded $100,000 to continue his work with the Dynamic Teen Company.
He was born and raised outside of Quezon City, Philippines. He grew up poverty stricken, and attended school on merit scholarships.
He was initially included in the CNN Heroes Top 10 list alongside Jorge Munoz before being named the Hero of the Year.
