06/05/2025
Metro Manila Unites for Change: Icons of Change Awards 2025 and SDG Action Summit Spotlight Leadership, Innovation, and Collective Impact
Las Piñas City, Philippines – April 27, 2025 – A powerful convergence of leaders, innovators, and changemakers took place at Southville International School and Colleges as the Icons of Change Awards Metro Manila 2025, and the Metro Manila SDG Action Summit honored individuals and institutions driving real, lasting change across the nation and beyond.
The event, aligned with the United Nations’ declarations of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders under one shared mission: to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
A Celebration of Transformative Leadership
The Icons of Change Awards is not just a recognition program—it is a growing movement that places a spotlight on individuals, organizations, and institutions who are trailblazing solutions in public service, education, media, business, sustainability, health, and advocacy. Most importantly, it highlights unsung heroes—those whose impactful work often happens away from the limelight but creates deep ripple effects in their communities.
From those tackling poverty and food insecurity to innovators advancing quality education, gender equality, responsible consumption, and climate action, the 2025 awardees represented the full spectrum of the 17 SDGs.
A Platform for Action: SDG Summit Highlights
Running alongside the awards ceremony was the Metro Manila SDG Action Summit 2025, an open platform for dialogue and shared action. Distinguished speakers from the public and private sectors shared insights on how their work contributes to nation-building and sustainable development:
Dr. Gwen Pang, Secretary-General of the Philippine Red Cross, emphasized the integration of humanitarian response and SDG alignment.
Rosemarie Rafael, Chairwoman of the Women’s Business Council Philippines and Commissioner on Labor at the Philippine Commission on Women, underscored women-led leadership in driving inclusive economic growth.
Lito Villanueva, EVP and Chief Innovation & Inclusion Officer of RCBC, discussed the role of inclusive digital finance in SDG acceleration.
Theo Panga, Director General of PEZA, spoke about sustainable economic zones contributing to resilient urban development (SDG 11).
CJ Andaluz, filmmaker and cultural advocate, and
Timmy Cruz, actress and environmentalist, reminded attendees of the vital role of creative storytelling in mobilizing public consciousness.
Other prominent voices included Usec. Franz Imperial (RTVM), Usec. Gerald Divinagracia (ARTA), Lynn Pinugu (She Talks Asia), Sally Magat (Development Bank of the Philippines), and media leaders from ABS-CBN, PTV, The Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, and Pulis News Network.
Media as a Force for Good
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of ABS-CBN and veteran political correspondent RG Cruz, who received the Champion in Media, Community Connection, and Global Connection award and the Excellence in Political Correspondence award respectively. Their work exemplified journalism's essential role in promoting transparency, accountability, and truth.
A Commitment Signed and Sealed
In a powerful moment of unity, guests, awardees, and partners took part in the Sustainability Pledge Commitment Tarp Signing, a symbolic pledge to continue advancing the SDGs through their respective platforms. This act underscored the event’s mantra: Icons of Change is not the end—it’s the beginning of deeper, bolder impact.
Grounded in Community, Elevated by Purpose
The event was made possible through the collaboration of partners such as Southville International School and Colleges, AsiaPrime Philippines Corporation, the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), and a committed team of organizers and volunteers.
Chairperson Justin Ho Guo Shun reflected on the event’s success: "Icons of Change is a reminder that the SDGs aren’t reserved for policymakers or global summits—they live in classrooms, barangays, mediarooms, and boardrooms. The changemakers we honored today prove that with enough courage, collaboration, and conviction, transformation is not only possible—it’s already happening."
Moving Forward Together
As the event concluded, one message echoed clearly: change is not confined to a single moment or ceremony—it is a shared, ongoing responsibility. The Icons of Change Awards Metro Manila 2025 served as both recognition and rallying cry for collective action toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable Philippines.
Thank you Mugshots Digital Media TV for the Photo and Video Coverage
Mugshots Digital Media TV, Direk Owen Formento, 09173072186
