De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) further strengthened its commitment to industry-academe collaboration through the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with First Aviation Academy on May 25, 2026, at the Boardroom of the Ayuntamiento de Gonzalez Building in Dasmariñas.
The partnership establishes a strategic collaboration aimed at providing students with alternative on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities in the aviation industry. Through the program, qualified trainees will have the opportunity to complete their Private Pilot License (PPL) Ground School, undergo simulator training, and experience actual flight training as part of their internship journey — allowing them to fulfill their academic OJT requirements while taking their first steps toward becoming future commercial pilots.
Leading the ceremonial signing were DLSU-D President Br. Iñigo Riola, FSC and FAA President Major Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., together with administrators and representatives from both institutions who expressed their strong support for the partnership and its shared vision of preparing students for the evolving demands of the aviation industry.
Representing DLSU-D during the event were Dr. Twinkle Amparo, Dr. Nor Cachuela, Dr. Irene Gueco, Dr. Grace Mejia, Dr. Jigs Medina, and Ms. Agnes Olarte.
From FAA and its partner organization Philippine Transmarine Carriers, attendees included Rodolfo Dino Z. Santos, Richard Tanglao, Vivien Bautista, and Chino Hernandez.
During the ceremony, representatives from both institutions emphasized the growing importance of meaningful industry partnerships in enhancing graduate employability and student development. By combining academic instruction with immersive aviation training experiences, the partnership aims to equip students with practical competencies, professional exposure, and career opportunities aligned with the needs of the aviation sector.
The collaboration also reflects FAA’s continuing mission of making aviation training more accessible to aspiring aviators by introducing students to the fundamentals of flight training at an early stage of their academic journey. Through the OJT program, trainees will not only gain aviation knowledge and operational exposure but also experience firsthand what it takes to pursue a professional career in aviation.
As the aviation industry continues to recover and expand globally, both DLSU-D and FAA see the partnership as an important step in developing future-ready professionals who are equipped with the skills, discipline, and industry experience necessary to thrive in the field of aviation.
