Awards · Icons of Change · SDG 17
Sir Next Receives SDG 17 Excellence in Strategic Partnerships & Collaborative Leadership Award
The recognition celebrates Layderos’ work in building purposeful collaborations across media, business, nonprofit organizations, leadership development, faith-based communities, and sustainable development.
LAS PIÑAS CITY, Philippines — Nestor “Sir Next” Tugade Layderos received the SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — Excellence in Strategic Partnerships & Collaborative Leadership Award during Icons of Change 2025 (Icons of Change Awards Metro Manila 2025) on April 27, 2025.
Held at Southville International School and Colleges, the gathering brought together leaders and institutions working across government, business, media, education, civil society and sustainability. The recognition honored a principle that has shaped much of Layderos’ work with professional and advocacy organizations: strategic partnerships and collaborative leadership make shared goals possible. It reflects Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Partnership as a leadership philosophy
The plaque presented to Layderos recognized his contributions and commitment to making an impact in Metro Manila and beyond. The accompanying awardee announcement identified him as Executive Director of Light TV Foundation, the role he held at the time.
The story behind the recognition extends across professional and service communities. In broadcast media, nonprofit work, business, leadership development and advocacy, connecting people is only the beginning. A useful partnership needs a shared purpose, clear responsibilities and the willingness to keep working together after the first conversation.
For Sir Next, collaboration means finding common ground among organizations with different strengths, audiences and resources—and turning that common ground into work that serves people. Communications can help a cause reach its audience. A professional community can share expertise. A faith-based group can nurture leadership and service. Tourism advocates can connect livelihoods with environmental responsibility.
The organizer’s award write-up
The following citation is reproduced from the Icons of Change write-up supplied by Sir Next. Titles and roles are retained as stated in the original award announcement and should be read in that historical context.
Icons of Change Awards 2025
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Excellence in Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Leadership Award
Nestor Tugade Layderos (CDMP, CPM-Asia)
Nestor Tugade Layderos is a distinguished marketing professional whose career is a shining example of how strategic partnerships and collaborative leadership can drive sustainable development. With over 15 years of industry experience, Nestor has been at the forefront of creating robust networks that connect local talent with global opportunities, thereby fostering innovation, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth—a true embodiment of SDG 17.
As the Director for Public Relations & Corporate Communications at the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), Nestor has been instrumental in shaping industry narratives and forging alliances that promote best practices in marketing. His innovative initiatives have earned him accolades as one of the PMA’s most outstanding members, reflecting his deep commitment to building bridges between business communities and stakeholders.
A founding member of the Philippine Advocates for Consultants & Trainers (PACT) and Director for Marketing & Partnerships at Elevaxion, Nestor has consistently demonstrated that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges in a competitive digital economy. His mentorship through the Go Negosyo Mentorship Program has empowered countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to harness the power of strategic partnerships, ultimately paving the way for sustainable economic development.
Nestor’s leadership extends to his role as Vice Chairman of Christians Businessmen and Marketplace Connectors (CBMC) Philippines, where he advocates for ethical practices and facilitates cross-sector collaborations that amplify the impact of business initiatives. His active engagement in these networks underscores his belief that shared goals and mutual support are vital to transforming industries and driving progress on a global scale.
Through his visionary approach to marketing and partnership-building, Nestor Tugade Layderos has redefined what it means to succeed in the modern business landscape. By uniting diverse stakeholders—from industry leaders and entrepreneurs to government agencies and international partners—he has created an ecosystem that fosters innovation, promotes resource sharing, and drives collective impact.
For his outstanding contributions to establishing strategic partnerships, his exemplary leadership in collaborative initiatives, and his relentless pursuit of inclusive growth, Nestor Tugade Layderos is honored with the Excellence in Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Leadership Award—a testament to his transformative role in mobilizing resources, knowledge, and innovation in the spirit of SDG 17.
Source: Icons of Change — official LinkedIn posts
#SDG17 #PartnershipsForTheGoals #StrategicPartnerships #CollaborativeLeadership #NestorTugadeLayderos #GlobalCollaboration #InclusiveGrowth
Why Partnerships for the Goals matters
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 focuses on partnerships and collaboration for achieving sustainable development goals.
The United Nations’ SDG 17 framework promotes cooperation that strengthens the capacity to deliver sustainable development. Its targets encourage partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society, including the exchange of knowledge, expertise, technology and resources.
That gives the recognition a practical meaning. A partnership should help people do something worthwhile together: expand access to learning, support community initiatives, improve communication, or bring complementary skills to a shared challenge.
The award was presented by Icons of Change under SDG 17. The Sustainable Development Goals provide its thematic framework; Icons of Change is the awarding organization.
A gathering designed for recognition and action
The awards ran alongside the Metro Manila SDG Action Summit 2025. The supplied program grouped the goals into three themes: People and Prosperity; Planet, Peace and Communities; and Partnership, Equality and Progress.
Its schedule combined award presentations with summit discussions, performances, a sustainability commitment, and an Icons of Change book launch. The format placed public recognition within a wider invitation to learn, connect and act.
The organizer’s post-event account describes a gathering of leaders and changemakers spanning public service, education, media, business, healthcare and advocacy. Its emphasis on collaboration echoed the central message of Layderos’ own award.
Recognized within a wider community of changemakers
Coverage by the Philippine News Agency documents PEZA Director General Tereso Panga’s recognition at the April 27 ceremony. ABS-CBN’s published account separately confirms awards for ABS-CBN Corporation and broadcast journalist RG Cruz.
These reports establish the breadth of the program’s honorees. Layderos’ individual SDG 17 recognition is documented here through his supplied plaque, awardee announcement and ceremony photographs.
Different sectors bring different capabilities to development challenges. Their presence in one gathering creates opportunities for conversations that can lead to shared projects and lasting relationships.
A shared milestone with TIESPHI
The occasion also carried meaning through The International Ecotourism Society Philippines Inc. (TIESPHI). The organization’s published recognition story records its Icons of Change award for ecotourism under SDG 15: Life on Land, connecting responsible tourism with biodiversity protection, environmental stewardship and community development.
TIESPHI also published an account of founder Vilma De Claro Mendoza’s recognition. As part of the TIESPHI delegation, Layderos received the organization’s recognition with Mary Joan Saquing Ocampo, alongside his individual SDG 17 award.
The connection between the two goals is tangible: conservation efforts depend on people and institutions working together. Tourism stakeholders, communities, educators, businesses and government agencies each have a part to play. Partnership helps turn a shared commitment into practical work.
The organizations—and people—behind the journey
After receiving the award, Sir Next acknowledged CBMC Philippines, Elevaxion, Haggai Philippines (PHIAA), The International Ecotourism Society Philippines Inc. (TIESPHI), UpCount Online, Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. (ZBNI) and Light TV Foundation as communities and organizations connected with his professional, advocacy and service journey.
The acknowledgment reflects the people behind collaborative work: those who open doors, share knowledge, support an initiative and sustain it through difficult seasons. It recognizes a wider journey rather than assigning every organization a formal role in this individual award.
There were also intersections with other honorees. An Icons of Change announcement recognized Elevaxion President John Paul M. Kho under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, highlighting leadership, education and social initiatives.
Gratitude, and the responsibility to keep building
“Thank you, Icons of Change 2025 for this recognition: SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Excellence in Strategic Partnerships & Collaborative Leadership Award.”
Sir Next extended his thanks to Icons of Change Chairperson Justin Ho Guo Shun, Mary Joan Saquing Ocampo, and the rest of the council. He concluded his acknowledgment with “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”
The recognition remains a reminder to continue building bridges between people, ideas and institutions. Relationships need to become partnerships; partnerships need to become programs; programs need to produce meaningful results for the people they aim to serve.
That responsibility continues through Layderos’ work in marketing, communications, technology, professional education, leadership development and advocacy. Across different roles, the principle endures: we can accomplish more when purpose is shared.
For Sir Next, Partnerships for the Goals means people and institutions bringing their strengths together in service of something larger than themselves.
To God be the glory.
Moments from Icons of Change 2025
Photographs supplied by Sir Next from the ceremony. Select any image to view it in full.
More moments and official award announcements
Additional ceremony photographs and recognition cards supplied for this retrospective feature.
Explore Sir Next’s Partnerships & Special Projects and Speaking & Learning Experiences, learn more about Sir Next, or visit the Sir Next: Tech + Consultancy homepage.
About Icons of Change
Icons of Change is a recognition platform highlighting individuals and organizations contributing to societal transformation through work connected with the Sustainable Development Goals. Its programs create a setting for changemakers across sectors to gain visibility, exchange ideas and explore collaboration.
Award details
- Awardee
- Nestor Tugade Layderos · Nestor “Sir Next” Layderos
- Category
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Recognition
- Excellence in Strategic Partnerships and Collaborative Leadership Award
- Event
- Icons of Change Awards Metro Manila 2025 / Metro Manila SDG Action Summit 2025
- Date
- April 27, 2025
- Venue
- Southville International School and Colleges · Southville Lux Hall · Las Piñas City, Philippines
- Chairperson
- Justin Ho Guo Shun
Explore the organizations
Connect with the communities mentioned in Sir Next’s acknowledgment through the links he supplied:
- Icons of Change — official Facebook page
- Light TV Foundation — official Facebook page
- CBMC Philippines (Connecting Business and Marketplace to Christ) · CBMC International
- Elevaxion — official Facebook page
- Haggai Philippines (PHIAA) (Philippine Haggai Institute Alumni Association) · Haggai International
- The International Ecotourism Society Philippines Inc. (TIESPHI) · TIESPHI website
- UpCount Online — official Facebook page
- Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. (ZBNI) · ZBNI website
Images and event materials supplied by Sir Next. Ceremony date follows the award plaque, supplied program and April 27 event coverage. Published as a retrospective award feature.