Advancing inter-agency collaboration for more responsive community extension programs, the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) hosted a Joint Inter-Agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing with government agencies in Tawi-Tawi on August 27, 2026, at the Sabdani Bulante Conference Room, MSU TCTO, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Anchored on the theme, โFrom Partnership to Convergence: Building a Collaborative Extension Ecosystem for Tawi-Tawi,โ the activity formalized the Universityโs collaboration with partner agencies in developing extension programs, capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and other interventions responsive to the needs of communities in Tawi-Tawi.
The MOU brings together the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical EducationโTechnical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD-BARMM Tawi-Tawi); and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-Tawi-Tawi).
In his welcome remarks, Dir. Yusuf Ali T. Eldani, MiSDS, Director for Extension Services, presented the theme and highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-agency collaboration in advancing responsive and coordinated extension initiatives in the province.
University Chancellor Prof. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, PhD, emphasized extension as an important component of the Universityโs mandate, particularly in translating academic knowledge and expertise into programs that directly benefit communities. She highlighted the importance of partnerships with government agencies in expanding the reach and impact of MSU TCTOโs extension initiatives across Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, Prof. Richard N. Muallil, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, delivered the inspirational message, underscoring the value of sustained collaboration and institutional partnerships in advancing the Universityโs extension mandate.
The activity was attended by representatives of the partner agencies, including Dr. Saido U. Espiliro, Provincial Director, MENRE-BARMM Tawi-Tawi; Dr. Aidarus I. Nami, Provincial Director, MAFAR-BARMM Tawi-Tawi; Dr. Maryam S. Nuruddin, Provincial Director, MBHTE-TESD-BARMM Tawi-Tawi; Hja. Belinda C. Adil, RSW, MPA, Provincial Social Welfare Officer, MSSD-BARMM Tawi-Tawi; Mr. Mahmur H. Sarail, Chief Statistical Specialist, PSA-Tawi-Tawi; Ms. Fatima Neyyar H. Hassan, OIC Provincial Director, MTIT-BARMM Tawi-Tawi; and Ms. Haipa Jumdain, MPA, Provincial Head, MOLE-BARMM Tawi-Tawi.
Assoc. Prof. Rosalio G. Artes, Jr., Director for Research, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the importance of sustaining the partnerships established through the MOU and moving toward coordinated extension initiatives that respond to the needs of communities across Tawi-Tawi.
Through the MOU, MSU TCTO and its partner agencies seek to bring together institutional expertise, resources, and community engagement in implementing extension and development initiatives across Tawi-Tawi. The partnership provides a framework for closer coordination between the University and government agencies in developing interventions that respond to the needs and priorities of local communities.
From partnership to convergence, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to translating institutional expertise and government resources into coordinated initiatives that contribute to community development across Tawi-Tawi.
