Metro Manila, Southville International School and Colleges | 27 April 2025 — In a resounding affirmation of leadership that blends vision with impact, the Icons of Change Awards 2025 took center stage at the Metro Manila SDG Action Summit, held in celebration of the United Nations’ International Year of Peace and Trust. The summit gathered a distinguished assembly of changemakers—from grassroots innovators to national policy influencers—united by a shared mission: to accelerate the realization of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collective, purposeful action.
Against the backdrop of global uncertainty and the urgent call for systems-level transformation, this year’s summit not only celebrated the awardees but also ignited dialogue, collaboration, and strategy across sectors. It marked a defining moment for Philippine leadership in sustainable development, showcasing the powerful intersections of innovation, equity, and resilience.
The Icons of Change Awards is more than ceremonial accolades—they are a recognition of individuals, institutions, and enterprises who exemplify the spirit of the SDGs through concrete, measurable change. This year’s awardees were selected for their groundbreaking work across a wide range of sectors: from inclusive education and clean energy to public health, digital innovation, and ethical entrepreneurship.
Each honoree is a catalyst—shaping pathways that uplift communities, reimagine systems, and spark scalable solutions. Their stories, shared during the summit, reflected a deep understanding that leadership in the 21st century is no longer about titles—it is about transformation.
With the United Nations declaring 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, this year’s summit carried deeper meaning. Peace was reframed not merely as the absence of violence, but the presence of opportunity, equity, and dignity. Trust emerged as the cornerstone of social cohesion and institutional effectiveness.
The Icons of Change honorees embodied these values: reform-oriented public servants, values-driven business leaders, and educators who turn classrooms into incubators for hope and social mobility. Together, they demonstrated how peace and trust are not abstract ideals—but attainable outcomes of inclusive, strategic development.
Among the most celebrated figures of the evening was Ms. Apple Esplana-Manansala, President & Chief Executive Producer of The New Channel (TNC). A visionary in digital media and entrepreneurial leadership, Ms. Esplana-Manansala was uniquely recognized with two prestigious honors:
- The New Channel – Excellence in Digital Media Innovation Award
- Apple Esplana Manansala – Trailblazer Award for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship
These dual recognitions underscore her remarkable role in reshaping the Philippine digital landscape. Under her stewardship, TNC has become a beacon of inclusive storytelling—providing a platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to engage audiences with purpose-driven content.
Her work has revolutionized how digital spaces can foster not just visibility, but real empowerment. By creating bridges between industries and communities, Ms. Esplana-Manansala has positioned TNC as more than a media outlet—it is a movement that champions innovation, elevates unheard voices, and drives entrepreneurial growth in the digital era.
As a trailblazer, she exemplifies how technology, when guided by values and vision, can become a powerful force for nation-building and human connection.
Watch Esplana-Manansala’s pre-event acceptance message here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AAMAori7s/
As the Icons of Change 2025 are featured across media platforms and institutional channels, they serve as living proof that leadership anchored in integrity, creativity, and empathy can rewrite the future. These awardees remind us that the responsibility to build a better world is shared—and the opportunity to lead that change is open to all.
Congratulations to all Icons of Change 2025 awardees.
Watch Esplana-Manansala’s post event message here: (Insert the video link to when we are able to release the video interview here)
Words by: Jeoff Solas
Photos by: AJ Alcantara
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