On December 3, 2024, the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement between the Russian International Academy of Tourism and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Republic of the Philippines took place.

The signing of the agreement took place in the format of a video conference. The Russian International Academy of Tourism was represented at the signing ceremony by a delegation led by the Rector of the RIAT, Doctor of Political Sciences Trofimov Evgeny Nikolaevich, consisting of: Pityukov V.Yu., First Vice-rector, PhD, Professor, Aliluiko E.A., Vice-rector-Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Management of the RIAT, Ryabov A.K. Head of the Center for International Educational Programs, projects and Public Relations, Trofimenko A.S., Head assistant of the Center for International Educational Programs, Projects and Public Relations.

In his greeting, Yevgeny Nikolaevich Trofimov has stressed that the Russian International Academy of Tourism is the leading Russian educational and scientific center in the field of professional tourism education at the international level. The Academy has a long history of international cooperation with educational institutions in Spain, Italy, Greece, Finland, and Lithuania. Cooperation with the French Institute of Vatel continues. Currently, the international activities of the Academy are focused on the countries of the Global South, including the regions of Southeast Asia.

The Rector noted that the Philippine De La Salle College of Saint Benilde is the first partner of the RIAT in Southeast Asia. According to the Rector, this cooperation is relevant due to the active development of tourism relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of the Philippines.

Then the floor was given to the Chansellor of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Benhur Ong. The Chansellor introduced the members of the delegation, which included: Angelo marco Lacson, Vice Chancellor for Academics, Marie Paz Castro, Dean, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, Juan Paolo Sumera, Program Chair of School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management, Sherlo Reyes, External Linkages, Paula Roxas, External Linkages.

De La Salle College of Saint Benilde is the largest private educational institution of secondary and higher education in the Republic of the Philippines. The College provides training for high-level specialists in the field of tourism and hospitality, as well as advanced training courses for existing employees.

College is a member of an international network of more than 1,200 educational institutions established by the De La Salle brothers worldwide in 82 countries. It is considered one of the best universities in the Republic of the Philippines, offering more than a hundred bachelor's and master's degree programs. Bachelor's and Master's degree programs specialize in such disciplines as "International Hotel Management", "Business", "Computer Research", "Economics", "Engineering", humanities and natural sciences. The college has more than 9,000 students.

The College has received the status of a Center of Excellence and a Development Center from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education. The College is among the 40 institutions that have received autonomous status from the Philippine Commission on Higher Education. The College is a member of the Asian University Association and the International Association of Universities as well as the local interagency Consortium of South Manila.

Saint Benilda's De La Salle ranks 8th in the Philippines in terms of cumulative alumni prominence.

In his greeting, the Chansellor of the college expressed the opinion that the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Russian International Academy for Tourism will allow to develop academic mobility programs for students and teachers, as well as expand internship opportunities.

The cooperation agreement was signed and certified by the Rector of RIAT Trofimov E.N. and the rector of St. Benilda De La Salle College, Republic of the Philippines Benhur Ong.

At the end of the solemn ceremony of signing the cooperation agreement, Yevgeny Nikolaevich Trofimov expressed hope for a long and fruitful cooperation between the Russian International Academy of Tourism and De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, Republic of the Philippines in the academic and scientific fields!