Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian is advocating for the passage of a bill that will rename the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) as the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP) and formally designate it as the country’s premier professional institution for aviation.
Gatchalian stressed the urgency of promoting aviation safety and security, especially in light of recent air crash incidents. On 06 February 2025, a U.S.-contracted surveillance plane crashed in Maguindanao del Sur, claiming the lives of four personnel. Days before the incident, a female pilot perished when a helicopter crashed in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. These tragedies, Gatchalian said, highlight the need for highly skilled aviation professionals trained under world-class standards.
Under Senate Bill No. 2969, also known as the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines Charter Act, the NAAP will be tasked with providing young Filipinos with comprehensive academic and professional training in aviation and related fields. The academy will also be mandated to develop industry-driven programs, foster collaboration between academia and industry leaders, and introduce innovative teaching methods in aviation education.
Expanding Aviation Education and Scholarships
Gatchalian’s proposed measure outlines short-term technical-vocational, undergraduate, and graduate programs, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Air Transportation (specializing in Commercial Pilot Training)
- Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (including Drone Technology)
- Associate in Aircraft Maintenance Technology
- Associate in Aircraft Electronic Technology
The bill also ensures equitable access to aviation education, prioritizing disadvantaged students, Indigenous peoples, valedictorians, salutatorians, and students from underserved areas. The NAAP will offer scholarships and financial aid to deserving students who meet the academy’s admission criteria.
Elevating Philippine Aviation Standards
“In pursuing its mandate, the NAAP shall develop aviation leaders in the Philippine aviation and aerospace industry, both in the private or commercial sector and the government. The enactment of the proposed measure would enable the Philippine aviation industry to be at par with its international counterparts,” Sen. Gatchalian said in the bill’s explanatory note.
From Academic Year (AY) 2014-15 to AY 2023-24, the PhilSCA system has maintained an annual enrollment of 18,040 students, producing an average of 3,266 graduates per year. The proposed transition to NAAP is expected to enhance the quality and competitiveness of aviation education in the country.
With the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals, Gatchalian’s push for the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Philippine aviation while ensuring higher safety standards in the industry.