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MANILA, Philippines — Flight school Topflite Academy and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) recently entered a strategic collaboration geared to create immersive learning experiences which bridges the gap between the academe and the aviation industry.
In partnership with the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the mutual pursuit was formalized by the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions at the Subic Bay International Airport.
This initiative aims to promote mentorships, joint projects, exposure trips, student internships, and micro-credentials between Topflite Academy and Benilde. Collaborative research as well as data analytics workshops and seminars are likewise part of the program.
Topflite Academy was represented by Capt. Sahl Andrew Onglatco, head of training Capt. Vladimir Evangelista and corporate affairs director James Cuevas.
“Benilde stands for excellence in education, formation and values. Topflite stands for discipline, safety and real-world aviation experience. Together, we bridge the classroom and the cockpit, theory and application, education and industry,” Onglatco said. “Today’s signing is ink on paper, but what it truly represents is vision, courage, and responsibilities.”
Signing for Benilde were chancellor Benhur Ong, vice chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson, and School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management Dean Maria Paz Castro.
“We are especially encouraged by the integration of aviation-related training into our Tourism Management Program and the shared vision to develop more deeply aligned academic and professional pathways in the years ahead,” Ong said.
“The approval of Benilde as a satellite ground school facility by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is a powerful affirmation of trust and capability, a clear signal this collaboration is built to last,” he added.
On behalf of SBMA chairman Eduardo Jose Aliño, chief of staff Von Rodriguez likewise expressed the agency’s support for the joint effort to train future aviation professionals with the right skills, mindset, and global standards.
“Here at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, we firmly believe that industry and academe partnerships are key drivers of sustainable development. The Subic Airport is not only a gateway for travelers, it is a platform for innovation, training, and economic growth,” Rodriguez said. “Partnerships like this ensure that our workforce is future-ready and globally competitive.”
Also in attendance were SBMA senior deputy administrator for business and investment Renato Lee III, SBIA general manager Zharrex Santos and Topflite Academy corporate secretary Capt. Anne Onglatco.
Actor-director Xian Lim, a licensed private and commercial pilot who took his aviation classes at Topflite Academy, hosted the event. Lim is also an AB Music Production candidate via Benilde’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.
