Aviation Leader Earns Degree Through Benilde’s Flexible ETEEAP Program
Aviation Leader Earns Degree Through Benilde’s Flexible ETEEAP Program
10 March 2025
Tourism plays a vital role in the Philippine economy, relying on professionals to drive its growth. For those already working in this field, not having a college diploma can make it harder to move up the career ladder or take on bigger roles. This is where De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) comes in. The program is designed to help professionals earn their degree without putting their careers on hold.
One of its success stories is Sahl Andrew Onglatco, a seasoned aviation expert and entrepreneur. Recently, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (BS-HRIM) through Benilde’s ETEEAP. His journey shows how balancing work, studies, and personal commitments is possible with the right program and determination.
Sahl started his career as a flight steward for Philippine Airlines, where he spent 12 years mastering customer service and aviation operations. He later transitioned into business, running Sky Aerotrade, a company specializing in aviation supplies, and Topflite Academy, a flight school focused on pilot training. Managing multiple businesses and responsibilities, Sahl achieved significant success despite not having a college diploma.
But he knew earning a degree could unlock new opportunities. “After a decade and a half, I wanted to finish what I started,” Sahl shared. Encouraged by a colleague, he enrolled in ETEEAP, which gave him a way to earn his diploma by accrediting his work experience and skills.
Benilde’s ETEEAP program is built for working professionals, offering flexibility that allows students to manage both their studies and careers. Sahl highlighted this advantage, saying, “Benilde’s ETEEAP team understands that we’re professionals with other priorities. They make sure we can work our schedules together.“
Balancing work and studies wasn’t easy. With five businesses to manage, Sahl had to stretch his time and patience. “I couldn’t have done it without my team. They’ve been rooting for me,” he said, referring to the support from his management team and interns. Completing the program in just two semesters reflects both his dedication and the program’s adaptability for busy professionals.
Graduating with a degree has already opened new paths for Sahl. He plans to begin a master’s degree in May, taking his education to the next level. “ETEEAP opened the door for that,” he said, emphasizing how formal credentials have complemented his extensive experience in aviation.
Sahl also believes the program offers professionals a chance to revisit and build upon their career foundation. “In the aviation industry, many of us started without a college diploma because it wasn’t required back then. But eventually, you want to go back and earn that degree. ETEEAP makes it doable.“
Sahl’s advice to anyone considering ETEEAP is clear. “Stick to your goal. It’s doable, but you have to go all in.” His story inspires working professionals in tourism, aviation, and other fields, showing that it’s possible to achieve academic success while balancing work and life.
Programs like ETEEAP empower individuals to formalize their skills and credentials, helping them advance their careers. With tourism being a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, initiatives like this are key to strengthening the industry and supporting professionals like Sahl Andrew Onglatco.
For more information on Benilde’s ETEEAP and other 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.
