26 January 2026
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between Benilde and TopFlite Academy on January 23, 2026 at Subic Bay International Airport introduced new opportunities for students in the Tourism Management Program. The ceremony opened doors for students to experience aviation training alongside their academic journey.
This partnership gives Benilde students access to internships, certifications, mentorship, and real-world immersion in aviation. With ground school training approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Benilde now operates as a satellite ground school, offering accredited aviation learning experiences within the institution.
The collaboration connects directly to Benilde’s redefined Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management program. Students specializing in Tourism Creations, Relations, and Entrepreneurship can now integrate aviation into their studies. They will be able to explore aviation-linked tourism ventures, document travel experiences through multimedia, and understand the role of aviation in global relations and cultural exchange. Careers such as airline management, cabin crew service, and aviation entrepreneurship become more attainable with this pathway.
TopFlite Academy also joins Benilde’s growing roster of industry partners who provide microcredentialing opportunities. Students can earn certifications in aviation safety, ground school modules, and simulator training while completing their degree. These stackable credentials boost employability and give graduates a competitive edge in both tourism and aviation.
Benilde’s recent investments in aviation education set the stage for this collaboration. Inside the AKIC Campus, the College built a full mock airplane cabin known as the Salle de Blagnac, an Airbus A320 Cabin Service Trainer, where students can practice and simulate premium travel experiences. With TopFlite, the immersion now extends from cabin service to cockpit training, creating a full spectrum of aviation exposure. This shows how Benilde is reshaping tourism education by embedding aviation into its curriculum.
The event gathered leaders from Benilde and TopFlite, along with representatives from the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Benilde was represented by Chancellor Benhur Ong, Vice Chancellor for Academics Angelo Lacson, and SHRIM Dean Marie Paz Castro. TopFlite was represented by CEO Capt. Sahl Onglatco, Head of Training Capt. Vladimir Evangelista, and Corporate Affairs Director Atty. James Cuevas.
The human connection to Benilde was clear during the ceremony. Capt. Onglatco is a Benildean who completed his degree through the College’s ETEEAP program. Actor and pilot Xian Lim, who hosted the event, is also a Benildean through ETEEAP, having recently finished his final validation for the Music Production program. ETEEAP opens opportunities for experienced professionals in hospitality, culinary, tourism and other fields to pursue or complete a degree through a customized program that builds on what they already practice in the industry.
The partnership with TopFlite Academy is part of Benilde’s larger vision to prepare students for the future of tourism by combining academic innovation, industry immersion, and flexible learning pathways. From cabin service simulations to aviation ground school, Benilde is creating a new kind of tourism education that connects students to the world.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
