William Frederick Thio, an Icon of Change from the Philippines

Icons of Change International Awards 2026
International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development

William Frederick S. Thio
Primetime English News Anchor, IBC 13
Former News Anchor, PTV News Tonight, PTV4
Host, Agapay: Tatak Rosa Rosal
Director, Philippine Canine Club, Inc.
Volunteer, Philippine Red Cross

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (with contributions to SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities)
Changemaker for Ethical Journalism, Inclusive Education, Humanitarian Stewardship, and Compassionate Leadership (Philippines)

William Frederick S. Thio is a broadcast journalist, builder, and dedicated steward whose life embodies a profound commitment to integrity, service, and compassionate action. With over 15 years in Philippine media, he has informed and empowered the public through responsible reporting and anchoring on major national platforms, including the Philippine News Agency and as primetime English news anchor on IBC 13, following his tenure anchoring PTV News Tonight on PTV4. His journalism is marked by clarity, restraint, and a steadfast pursuit of truth, earning public trust and professional recognition in an era of complex national narratives.

Guided by early influences, his grandmother’s lessons in discipline and honor, and the humanitarian legacy of his great-aunt, the legendary Rosa Rosal (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and Philippine Red Cross icon), William carries forward a tradition of empathy in action. He now hosts Agapay: Tatak Rosa Rosal, sustaining the pioneering spirit of Rosa’s Damayan program, translating faith and compassion into meaningful community engagement. His volunteer service with the Philippine Red Cross and moderation roles at Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation symposiums further amplify principled leadership across Asia.

Beyond media, William’s impact extends to tangible transformation. Deeply committed to children with developmental and learning disabilities, he led the renovation of a Special Education school using Universal Design principles, creating an inclusive hub that accommodates diverse sensory, cognitive, and mobility needs, turning aspiration into accessible architecture and lived inclusion.

In parallel, as a leader in construction and real estate, he stewards his family’s enterprise with reverence for heritage, restoring aging homes to preserve memory while thoughtfully adapting them for modern life, bridging generations through intentional care.

Mentorship forms a cornerstone of his work. He guides aspiring broadcasters and students, emphasizing that credibility is earned cumulatively, public voice carries weight, and leadership requires moral clarity. His enduring counsel, “Always choose kindness because we never really know what challenges people are going through”, is not mere advice but a lived standard across his endeavors.