What does it mean to be a modern hero?
For the organizers of the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2026, heroism is not defined solely by titles, positions, or professional achievements. It is reflected in the way leaders use their influence, expertise, and resources to create meaningful change in their communities and contribute to nation-building.
This vision will take center stage on September 25, 2026 (Friday), as the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2026 gathers distinguished leaders from government, public institutions, business, education, and civic sectors at Okada Manila.
Among the distinguished leaders set to be recognized are Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III; Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia; Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President Wick Veloso; University of the Philippines (UP) President Atty. Angelo Jimenez; Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) President Dr. Manuel Muhi; Pag-IBIG Fund President Marlene Acosta; and Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Sec. Dante Klink Ang II.
Their presence reflects the broad range of leadership that the awards seek to celebrate-from public service and governance to education, finance, business, and community development.
Recognizing Leadership Beyond the Boardroom
The Asia’s Modern Hero Awards also recognizes leaders from the private sector, professional communities, and grassroots organizations whose work extends beyond their official responsibilities.
According to Dr. Ronnel Ybañez, Founder and Chairman of the Golden Icons Foundation, the awards were created to recognize individuals whose accomplishments are matched by their commitment to service, responsibility, community impact, and nation-building.
Rather than focusing solely on professional success, the awards highlight individuals who have demonstrated that leadership can be measured by the people, institutions, and communities they influence.
From government officials making decisions that affect millions, to business leaders creating opportunities, educators shaping future generations, and community advocates working at the grassroots level, the awards aim to bring together different faces of leadership under one platform.
From Recognition to Real-World Impact
The celebration will also highlight the work of the Golden Icons Foundation and the communities it serves.
As part of the awarding ceremony, the event will feature a presentation showcasing individuals, families, and communities who have received assistance through the foundation’s various programs and advocacy initiatives.
The presentation will give guests an opportunity to see the real people and communities behind the foundation’s work, demonstrating how support and partnerships can translate into tangible change on the ground.
Through its advocacy initiatives, the Golden Icons Foundation has supported communities through various forms of assistance, including education, livelihood and community development initiatives, humanitarian support, and other programs designed to empower individuals and communities.
By featuring these beneficiaries during the awards ceremony, the organizers hope to reinforce a central message of the event: recognition becomes more meaningful when leadership is ultimately translated into service and impact.
Beyond the recognition ceremony, the event is expected to bring together leaders from different sectors, creating an environment where government, business, education, and civic communities can connect and celebrate shared achievements. At a time when leadership is increasingly measured by impact, accountability, and purpose, the Asia’s Modern Hero Awards aims to highlight individuals who continue to make a difference within and beyond their respective fields.
The evening will serve not only as a celebration of individual accomplishments, but also as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with leaders who choose to serve with purpose.