By Ma. Easterluna Canoy
MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.Net / 23 March 2025) – My copy of the legacy book on Bridging Leadership by the Asian Institute of Management-TeaM Energy Center (AIM-TEC) arrived last night. On behalf of Kitanglad Integrated NGOs and fellow bridging leaders, this is my tribute. A heartfelt thank you to AIM-TEC.
The AIM book, archived exclusively in the Philippines, marks 20 years of Bridging Leadership, a pioneering initiative that trained a multi-sectoral mix of leaders. Cohort 1 (2005–2007) consisted of 10 selected participants from government, non-government organizations, local chief executives, the military, and Moro leaders. The program was later expanded to include 14 leaders in a 16-month leadership course.
We envisioned a future where Philippine leaders uphold ethics, social inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and discerning leadership, particularly in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. However, challenges persist—war, disasters, pandemics, and economic crises disproportionately affect the Global South. Beyond business and wealth, unchecked information and manipulation threaten our society.
We express our fears through anger, hatred, and indifference. Individualism and unregulated freedom have fractured democratic spaces, while climate change accelerates the destruction of our natural environment. The tribes remind us: “Climate change exists because humans have changed their true nature.”
With the internet’s information overload, families are becoming disconnected from ancestral heritage. Where are the virtues that define our humanity? Too often, ambition and self-interest overshadow collective responsibility. Political and business relationships operate within a reward system, yet true progress requires transformative education. The impact of our actions must be assessed in social, cultural, economic, and environmental terms.
It is time for leadership rooted in genuine relationships, social and cultural capital, and ethical norms—integrity, honesty, equity, and justice. This is the call for today’s leaders. Achieving a better world for future generations requires co-creation and fair partnerships. We must understand the world more deeply. We care. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
My deepest gratitude to my Bridging Leadership mentors and coaches: Profs. Ernie Garilao, Gavino Jacinto, Mike Luz (+), Juan Kanapi (+), Nieves Confesor, Ricky de Castro, Manny de Vera, Techie Lopez, and program associates Jay Endaya, Adrian Manahan, Boyet Dy, Malcolm Flores, Ike Corpuz, Kevin de la Cruz, and Joyce Gonzaga. We once attempted to establish the NOBLE—Network of Bridging Leaders with their guidance.
To my fellow Bridging Leaders and coachees across different cohorts: Jennifer Sibug-Las (MBLFP 2013-2014), Paolo Benjamin Guico (FBLP1 2015-2016), Danielle Purzuelo (FBLP2 2019), Xyla “Tat” Gualberto & Handrich Hernando (FBLP3 2020), Mayor JR Coro & Lai Principe (BLICR 2021), Angela Encomienda & JJ Ilagan (FBLP4 2022), and RJ Belen (FBLP5 2023)—your dedication is inspiring.
Before AIM-TEC, Synergos Institute of New York pioneered Bridging Leadership in 2000 under Peggy Dulany and the Rockefeller Foundation, fostering trust and collaboration. I also recognize Daniel Domagala, a longtime Synergos staff member.
From 2012-2014, Synergos’ global network brought me to Jordan, Brazil, and Nepal for annual retreats that included peer learning and consulting. These experiences strengthened my understanding of Bridging Leadership across 41 countries.
In the Philippines, Prof. Ernie Garilao further advanced Bridging Leadership through the Zuellig Family Foundation, bringing together Synergos Senior Fellows like Fe Rixhon, Sandra Libunao, Eugene Gonzales, Julio Tan Galvez, Dinky Soliman (+), Marissa Camacho (+), Fely Imperial (+), Rory Francisco-Tolentino, Sixdon Macasaet, Soc Banzuela, and Rina Lopez (representing the Global Philanthropy Circle). These reflective sessions helped define the inner qualities of Filipino Bridging Leaders and document inspiring leadership stories, particularly among the youth.
To all of you, this is my tribute.
Ma. Easterluna Canoy, also known as Chy, is the Executive Director of Kitanglad Integrated NGOs. FIRST PERSON is a section of BukidnonNews.Net featuring statements, speeches, and commentaries on public issues. To contribute, email your piece, contact details, and bio to editor.bukidnonnews@gmail.com.
(BukidnonNews.Net)