Asian Institute of Management TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership Marks 20-Year Legacy
Makati City, Philippines – The Asian Institute of Management TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership (AIMTEC-BL) marked the culmination of its 20-year journey in a tribute ceremony at the Dusit Thani Hotel on 24 January 2025.
What began in 2004 as an extension of the Synergos Institute’s global research project has evolved into a powerful force for social transformation, training leaders to address the complex challenges of inequality and social divides in the Philippines and across Asia.
“This is a great celebration of what we have achieved for the mission of development management which is really to inspire, lead, and transform our society,” said AIM President and Dean, Dr. Jikyeong Kang, as she expressed gratitude to TeaM Energy Corporation and TeaM Energy Foundation for their unwavering support.
In his message, AIMTEC-BL Founder and Former Executive Director, Professor Ernesto D. Garilao, reflected on the center’s journey and highlighted one of its most compelling achievements: “If there is a Bridging Leadership compelling story, it is Bridging Leadership and the military and the transformation of its civilian-military relationship. Although initially skeptical, what stood out for the Fellows was the concept of co-ownership: that peace and security must be co-owned by the community stakeholders. For that to happen, the military and the community must be in a relationship of trust to co-create institutional arrangements for sustainable community peace and security.”
The anniversary gathering showcased presentations on TeaM Energy’s legacy projects and the evolution of bridging leaders, followed by a tribute to posthumous fellows who left indelible marks on their communities.
The ceremony also featured the book launch of “Bridging Leadership by Example,” affirming the Center’s timeless contribution. Authored by Jose Wendell Capili, PhD, Timothy James Dimacali, and Manuel De Vera, PhD, the legacy book is a comprehensive publication that chronicles the AIMTEC-BL journey and captures the essence of its core: the Bridging Leadership Framework (BLF). Drawing from its 17 years of experience in teaching leadership across various sectors, it serves as a valuable resource for educators, practitioners, and aspiring leaders, offering unique perspectives and real-world examples of how to apply BLF in championing equity and inclusivity.
A centerpiece of the celebration honored the Center’s far-reaching impact by recognizing its outstanding fellows’ exceptional leadership qualities and profound contributions. Among them were Lieutenant General Natalio Ecarma III, who fostered peace-building initiatives through interfaith dialogue between military forces and Muslim communities in Sulu; Nacianceno “Jun” Pacalioga, who revolutionized his municipality through sustainable agriculture and educational programs that empowered local farmers; Assistant Secretary Lorna D. Dino of the Department of Education, who champions inclusive education through collaborative processes across public and private sectors; and Secretary Carlito “Charlie” G. Galvez, Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, who pioneered peace-building through co-creation with civil society organizations; These and many other remarkable fellows exemplify the AIMTEC-BL vision of creating lasting positive change in communities and the lives of others.
AIMTEC-BL Executive Director, Professor Manuel J. De Vera, PhD, captured the evening’s spirit with a heartfelt closing message, “For the fellows, you all learned why you came together as a cohort, and that is because of love. Love for your community, love for our country, and most of all love for humanity. We will forever remember the center as a sanctuary for 20 years of lifelong friendships and partnerships.”
Over its two decades, AIMTEC-BL has conducted more than 90 training programs and nurtured five generations of fellowship programs. Its impact extends beyond numbers, living in the communities where bridges have been built, in policies strengthened, and in the countless lives touched by their work.
As AIMTEC-BL closes this chapter, the legacy continues through the leaders it has developed and the principles it has instilled. This celebration marked not just an ending, but the passing of a torch to a new generation of bridge-builders who will carry the vision of a society without divides.
