Topflite Academy, De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Sign Partnership to Offer Integrated Aviation Programs

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines, 23 January 2026 — Topflite Academy of Aviation and De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, establishing a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to quality aviation education and training in the Philippines. The Partnership Signing Ceremony was held at the Topflite Academy Hangar at the Subic Bay International Airport. The collaboration combines Benilde’s academic programs with Topflite Academy’s ground and flight training to develop competent, industry-ready aviation professionals through integrated academic and training pathways. “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,” said Captain Sahl Andrew T. Onglatco, Accountable Manager of Topflite Academy of Aviation. “This partnership reflects Benilde’s commitment to industry-engaged education that prepares students for real-world professions. Our collaboration with Topflite Academy allows us to reimagine how aviation education can be delivered—through integrated programs, experiential learning, and long-term institutional collaboration that benefits students, faculty, and the industry alike,” said Benhur Ong, Chancellor of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. The partnership lays the groundwork for integrated academic and training programs between the two institutions. Under this framework, Topflite Academy will provide ground and flight training for Benildean students through classes integrated into existing Benilde degree programs. Initial implementation will be through the Tourism Management Program under the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, with other courses planned for future integration. The agreement also reflects a shared vision for the eventual development of a fully integrated aviation degree within the Benilde system. Preparatory work for these programs has been underway since late 2025. DLS-CSB has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as a satellite ground school facility for Topflite Academy. As certification procedures continue, the academic and flight training programs are expected to be introduced progressively from 2026 to 2027. The ceremony also marked the formal opening of Topflite Academy’s new, purpose-built facilities at the Subic Bay International Airport. The facilities were designed to support the partnership and provide students with a modern, industry-standard training environment aligned with current aviation requirements. Key officials from the Department of Transportation, CAAP, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority were invited to witness the signing, highlighting the partnership’s relevance to the country’s aviation education and workforce development goals. The programs under the partnership are intended to help meet the forecasted medium- and long-term demand for aviation professionals in the Philippines.