In a move to further elevate its senior high school offerings, De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Senior High School (Benilde SHS) explored a partnership with the Vatel Business Group for the possible franchising of the Vatel Academy. On August 12, 2024, Paul D’Azemar of Vatel Business Group met with Principal Mike Ong, Dean Marie Castro, Sherlo Reyes, and Paolo Sumera to discuss the potential collaboration.
The Vatel Academy program is designed to prepare senior high school (SHS) students for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry by developing foundational skills in food and beverage service, baking and pastry, culinary arts, and room division management. Beyond technical training, the program also provides students with a head start toward undergraduate studies in hospitality management.
Benilde SHS expressed interest in integrating the Vatel Academy into its Grade 12 curriculum under the TVET strand, aligning with its commitment to offer specialized, career-ready education. Meanwhile, Benilde’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) will coordinate with Benilde SHS to explore articulation and course crediting arrangements, allowing SHS graduates to transition seamlessly into college-level hospitality programs.
The franchise model of Vatel Academy includes a one-time franchise fee of 100,000 euros and a 10% royalty fee per student. Vatel will share the franchise agreement with Benilde SHS for review and further discussion.
If realized, this partnership will mark a significant step in Benilde SHS’s mission to provide globally aligned, industry-based education, nurturing young learners with practical skills, international exposure, and a strong foundation in the hospitality and culinary arts.
