MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Strengthening its commitment to community development and sustainable livelihoods, Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on February 5, 2026, at the DBP Head Office in Makati City.
Under the agreement, MSU TCTO will serve as a training provider under DBP’s Magsasaka at Mangingisda Training Opportunity (Ma2TO) Program, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the capacities of farmers and fisherfolk across the country. The University is tasked to design and/or conduct training and capacity-building programs focused on agricultural and fisheries value chains and rural development in Tawi-Tawi.
This partnership underscores MSU TCTO’s vital role in advancing inclusive growth and empowering local communities through education, research, and extension services. By leveraging its expertise in fisheries, marine sciences, and sustainable development, the University continues to contribute to building resilient coastal and rural communities in the Bangsamoro region.
MSU TCTO expresses its sincere gratitude to Senior Vice President Atty. Soraya F. Adiong of DBP for this valuable opportunity and trust in the University’s capabilities.
University Chancellor Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with the Development Bank of the Philippines reflects our strong commitment to extending the University’s expertise beyond the campus and into the communities we serve. Through this initiative, we aim to equip our farmers and fisherfolk with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to sustainable rural development in Tawi-Tawi.”
The initiative will be spearheaded by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE), led by Prof. Dr. Richard N. Muallil, in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement and Extension Services (OCEanES), headed by Director Yusuf Eldani, MS Sustainable Community Development.
As MSU TCTO continues to expand its partnerships and outreach initiatives, this collaboration with DBP reinforces its mission of “Creating Opportunities, Transforming Lives”—particularly among marginalized farming and fishing communities in Tawi-Tawi.
