Renato W. Lee of the SBMA SDA for Business Group (2nd Left) , Atty. Von Rodriguez SBMA Chief of Staff (3rd Left), Capt. Sahl Andrew Onglatco, accountable manager of Topflite Academy of Aviation, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of Topflite Academy’s facilities at Subic Bay International Airport, reinforcing Subic Bay’s role as an emerging aviation and tourism hub. (DMS)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) is expanding its role in shaping the future of the tourism and aviation industries through a new partnership with Topflite Academy of Aviation, integrating academic instruction with professional flight training to support industry growth and workforce readiness.
The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on January 23 at the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA). The agreement aligns Saint Benilde’s academic programs with Topflite Academy’s ground and flight training, creating a direct pathway for students to enter aviation-related tourism and transport sectors.
Under the partnership, Topflite Academy will deliver industry-standard ground and flight training that will be incorporated into Saint Benilde’s degree offerings, beginning with the Tourism Management Program. The initiative aims to prepare graduates for careers across aviation, travel, and tourism operations—sectors critical to national connectivity and economic development.
Renato W. Lee of the SBMA SDA for Business Group joins Capt. Sahl Andrew Onglatco, accountable manager of Topflite Academy of Aviation, at the opening ceremony of Topflite Academy’s new aviation training facilities at Subic Bay International Airport, highlighting Subic Bay’s growing role as an aviation and tourism hub. (DMS)
Capt. Sahl Andrew Onglatco, accountable manager of Topflite Academy of Aviation, said the partnership responds to the growing demand for skilled professionals in aviation and tourism.
“This collaboration bridges academic learning and real-world aviation training,” Onglatco said. “By embedding flight education into tourism-focused programs, we are helping develop professionals who understand both air transport operations and the broader tourism ecosystem.”
Pending approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Saint Benilde will serve as a satellite ground school facility of Topflite Academy, with the program targeted to launch in School Year 2026–2027.
The MOU signing also marked the opening of Topflite Academy’s new aviation training facilities at SBIA, reinforcing Subic Bay’s emergence as a strategic aviation and tourism hub. The academy offers training programs for Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR), supported by modern aircraft fleets, advanced Redbird simulators, and newly acquired Tecnam aircraft for FAA training.
With its 9,000-foot runway and legacy as a former United States Naval Air Station, SBIA provides robust infrastructure ideal for flight training, aviation tourism, and international-standard aviation operations.
Highlighting the industry crossover between aviation and tourism, actor and director Xian Lim hosted the event. Lim, a Tourism graduate and a Commercial Pilot License holder, completed his aviation training at Topflite Academy in June 2025. His transition into aviation underscores the expanding career opportunities linking tourism, air transport, and related industries.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to developing globally competitive aviation and tourism professionals while supporting the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for flight training and travel. (Dante M. Salvaña)