Edward R. Kilakiga, a man of theory and practice

Edward R. Kilakiga, Far Eastern University’s VP, Facilities and Technical Services (FTS), in 2017 co-founded the Facilities Managers Association for Schools, now School Managers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SMAPI). The organization aims to address critical gaps in Philippine education. As its founding leader, Kilakiga intends to encourage active participation and the realization of aspirations in all schools across the country.

“[Campus] development and sustainability, coupled with safety and security for conducive learning, are some of the aspirations that we—facility professionals—aim to continuously adapt and improve through collaboration,” he said.

Some of the objectives of his organization are to promote better coordination among the school facility professionals, share and develop best practices and standards, and discuss matters pertaining to work and related activities, said Kilakiga. He added that these accommodate the opinions and suggestions of SMAPI members. 

“Members are able to adapt or improve best practices or standards which are applicable to their respective schools; [also] necessary for development and sustainability,” said Kilakiga. “We intend to revolutionize its progression by encouraging more [facility professionals] to join and be involved in deep discussions on matters relating to schools.” 

He added that aside from the presentation by sponsors of their products or services and the collaboration of SMAPI members, host schools also showcase their facilities through guided tours during their bi-monthly meeting. The SMAPI members welcome these as they could introduce improvements in their own institutions. They also consider these as marketing campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, facilities teams became central to institutional continuity, so key lessons from that period continue to shape how schools design and manage learning spaces.

“We can see that FEU is keeping up with progress. We adapt those that we can. In terms of safety and security, we have incorporated systems for fire detection and alarm as well as sprinkler. We also provide public address system on campus and safety video before events. We have made improvements in the classrooms too,” said Kilakiga. 

Kilakiga acknowledged urgent sustainability and resilience challenges facing universities in the country today. 

“Infrastructure reliability requires continuous assessment and appropriate measures relating to earthquake incidents,” he added. “Curricula integration of green energy, waste management, and risks awareness and reduction [is also necessary].” 

Smart technologies and data-driven facilities management, said Kilakiga, help universities reduce environmental impact while enhancing student experience.

“These keep track and measure our progress. These help everyone realize the importance of adapting technology and utilizing energy and facilities consciously—with appreciation and respect, like we do in our homes,” he said. “A well-managed infrastructure directly influences academic excellence and well-being as faculty and students focus on their learning journey while developing maturity.” 

The team works

“My first impression of VP-EK [as he is fondly called by colleagues] was that of a leader who leads by example—calm, purposeful, and deeply grounded in values. Over time, this impression has proven accurate,” said Ma. Editha T. Reyes, manager, Logistics Services at FTS. “He consistently demonstrates the qualities of an effective leader as described by John C. Maxwell: one who influences through character, competence, and genuine concern for people. His actions consistently align with his words, earning the trust and respect of those he works with.”

Arthur Y. Deocampo, manager, Electrical Engineering and Energy Conservation, said he thought VP-EK was very serious and strict. Deocampo also thought Kilakiga might be difficult to approach. 

“I was partly correct—he is serious and strict because he is very dedicated to his work, but he is very approachable,” said Deocampo.

Kilakiga’s management style is both people-oriented and results-driven, said Reyes. Kilakiga oversees and guides managers with clarity and confidence, especially in crucial and challenging situations, added Reyes. 

“Rather than dictating solutions, he provides direction, context, and encouragement, allowing his team to think critically and act responsibly. His objectivity in decision-making ensures that choices are guided by institutional goals while remaining fair and considerate of the people involved,” said Reyes.

Deocampo agreed with Reyes, saying Kilakiga values input, opinion, and collaboration from team members, especially on decision-making that involves and impacts the whole FTS operation. “He encourages open and honest communication,” said Deocampo.

“As a team, FTS approaches programs, projects, and tasks with a strong sense of collaboration and shared responsibility. [VPEK] fosters an environment where open communication, accountability, and mutual respect are prioritized,” said Reyes. “Our professional relationship is anchored in trust—he empowers managers to lead their respective areas while remaining accessible for guidance and support when needed.”

The FTS team conducts weekly meeting to discuss the accomplishments, challenges, and concerns on their operation and small departmental projects, said Deocampo.

“For large projects like renovation and construction, before starting a project, the team discusses the design, objectives, scope of work, and timelines to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and progress is regularly monitored to make sure that the project stays on schedule,” said Deocampo, adding that his relationship with the team “is collaborative and respectful. We always maintain open communication, support, assist each other, and work together to achieve FTS goals.”

Reyes echoed Deocampo’s description of Kilakiga, saying she admired his “genuine appreciation for the collective efforts of the team.” She said Kilakiga consistently acknowledges the hard work and dedication behind every project and activity of FTS, reinforcing a culture where contributions are valued and excellence is encouraged.

Read and learn 

“Nothing is difficult if you study it [theory or practice],” said Kilakiga in a mix of English and Filipino.

This attitude has worked to his advantage, so much that he earned two engineering degrees and passed the boards of each—electrical and mechanical—a merger, he implied, of “theory and practice.” He is also a Registered Master Electrician as he had passed the board exam administered by the Professional Regulation Commission.

“I would read while taking a ride in a jeep,” said Kilakiga. He took these rides as he was a working student and even when he was starting to build his own family, to and from school, and to and from home.

Kilakiga learned from people, too, especially his bosses. From them he learned that beyond success stories, it is also necessary to “mentor the mistake” or to “share one’s past failures, errors, and lessons learned to help a mentee avoid the same pitfalls,” as many authors suggest.

After failing his first few interviews, Kilakiga bought himself Gyles Brandreth’s “How to Interview and be Interviewed,” and since then aced interviews for jobs. Before coming to FEU he had worked mostly in the hotel industry of the hospitality sector here and abroad. 

“Working overseas widened my knowledge about cultures. But it also made me realize that whatever one’s ethnicity may be—Chinese, British, Korean, Japanese, Filipino—one is similarly situated as everybody else, in that he or she is an employee in a foreign land who aims to be a good provider,” said Kilakiga.  

He chose what he had learned from the books and from people and made sure that he was guided by ethics.

“We must get along with others, go with the flow, but we must not sacrifice our integrity,” said Kilakiga. “We must also try to take everything objectively even from reprimand.

He and his managers at FTS regularly discuss the best solutions to issues and concerns about Mechanical Engineering and Pollution Control and Civil Engineering, Architectural Design, Logistics Services, and Electrical Engineering and Energy Conservation.

“We are never complacent because we know that complacency precedes failure,” said Kilakiga.