Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is advocating for the passage of a bill to rename the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) as the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines (NAAP). This institution would be declared the national professional institution for aviation, aiming to enhance aviation safety following recent air crash incidents in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of promoting aviation safety and security after a series of air crash incidents. A United States-contracted surveillance plane crashed in Maguindanao del Sur on February 6, resulting in the deaths of all four people on board. Earlier, on February 1, a female pilot lost her life when her helicopter crashed in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Senate Bill 2969, known as the NAAP Charter Act, proposes that the NAAP provide world-class academic and professional training in the field of aviation and other related areas. The bill aims to produce well-trained professionals who can meet the needs of both local and international aviation industries.
The proposed legislation also mandates the NAAP to enhance aviation programs by developing industry-driven curricula, fostering collaboration between academic institutions and the aviation industry, and implementing innovative teaching methods. The academy would offer various programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Air Transportation with a specialization in Commercial Pilot, Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering with a focus on Drone Technology, and associate degrees in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and Aircraft Electronic Technology.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes providing equitable access to NAAP's programs for disadvantaged students, indigenous peoples, and students from economically challenged backgrounds. Scholarships and affirmative action programs would be available to support deserving students who gain admission to the academy.
Gatchalian stated that the NAAP's mission includes developing aviation leaders for both the private and government sectors. He noted that the proposed measure would enable the Philippine aviation industry to align with international standards. From the academic year 2014-15 to 2023-24, the PhilSCA system has maintained an average annual enrollment of 18,040 students and produced an average of 3,266 graduates each year.
