SMU HTM Soars Higher: MOA Signed with PTC Aviation for World-Class Flight Training

PARAÑAQUE CITY—Saint Mary’s University (SMU) has taken a significant leap in strengthening its Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program by forging a formal partnership with the renowned PTC Aviation Training Center. The momentous occasion took place on November 5, 2025, marking the official signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and a detailed facility tour.

The strategic alliance is aimed at providing SMU HTM students with a competitive edge through specialized, industry-standard Aviation/Flight Attendant Training.

The SMU HTM delegation, comprised of faculty members Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita, Ms. Aryan L. Yuzon, Mr. John Rey C. PiNera, Ms. Rowena Vennessa C. Gayagoy, and Ms. Anna Victoria Celestine R. Belen, were received by the leadership team of PTC Aviation.

Welcoming the SMU officials were General Manager Mr. Dino Santos and Assistant Sales and Training Manager Ms. Arlyn Caballero.

The visit included a crucial Facilities Tour/Ocular Visit of the PTC Aviation Training Center. The SMU team was able to inspect the center’s advanced resources, which reportedly include realistic Airbus A320 cabin trainers, safety and emergency equipment, and specialized training environments. This hands-on assessment confirmed the facility’s capability to deliver high-impact practical training.

The core outcome of the visit was the MOA Signing, solidifying a commitment to collaborative training programs. This agreement will enable SMU students to undergo intensive training modules in safety procedures, inflight service, and passenger handling, ensuring they are fully prepared for careers as cabin crew members in local and international airlines.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and ocular visit of the SMU HTM faculty to PTC Aviation strongly aligns with three key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primarily, it supports SDG 4: Quality Education by enhancing the relevance and quality of the HTM curriculum through specialized, industry-standard Aviation/Flight Attendant Training. This initiative directly contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping graduates with the technical and vocational skills necessary for high-value employment and decent jobs in the global aviation and tourism sectors. Finally, the formal collaboration between an academic institution (SMU) and an industry leader (PTC Aviation) exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating that cooperative action is essential to achieving sustainable development and educational excellence.

The MOA with PTC Aviation is a tangible commitment by SMU to Target 4.4, which focuses on substantially increasing the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. By integrating professional aviation training into its curriculum, SMU ensures that its HTM graduates possess industry-recognized technical skills, making them highly qualified and competitive in the global job market, thereby elevating the overall quality and relevance of their education.

The partnership between Saint Mary’s University and PTC Aviation Training Center marks a significant milestone in providing HTM students with the essential, high-quality, specialized training needed to excel in the competitive aviation industry. The collaboration is set to launch a new generation of highly-skilled, industry-ready flight attendants and aviation professionals.