BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI — Strengthening international collaboration and advancing inclusive development, the Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU TCTO) welcomed H.E. Massimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, for a high-level visit featuring dialogues on peacebuilding, education, and sustainable blue economy initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The visit commenced with a courtesy meeting with the University Chancellor at the Office of the Chancellor, followed by a campus tour showcasing key institutional facilities, including the Marine Science Museum (MSM) and the Seaweed Research and Development Center (SeaRDeC). These sites highlighted the University’s ongoing contributions to marine research, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
In a statement, Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali emphasized the importance of global partnerships in advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the region, noting that, “Through meaningful collaborations with partners such as the European Union, we are able to strengthen our efforts in peacebuilding, empower our communities through education, and unlock the vast potential of the blue economy in BARMM. This engagement affirms MSU TCTO’s role as a bridge between knowledge, culture, and sustainable development.”
A central highlight of the visit was the roundtable dialogue on Women Leaders and Civil Society, held at the Sabdani J. Bulante Hall Conference Room. Bringing together women leaders, including religious women (aleemat), civil society organizations, and youth representatives, the discussion underscored the critical role of women in peacebuilding and community leadership. Participants engaged in meaningful exchanges on grassroots peacebuilding experiences, education and leadership pathways, and barriers to inclusion and participation. The dialogue also featured a briefing on the University’s Diploma Program on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), reinforcing MSU TCTO’s commitment to empowering women as agents of peace and development.
The engagement continued through a working lunch dialogue on Seaweed Industry, Agriculture, and Environment, convened by Member of Parliament Suharto Ambolodto. The session gathered seaweed farmers, cooperatives, fisheries and agriculture stakeholders, MSU officials, environmental advocates, and representatives from BARMM ministries and agencies. Discussions focused on strengthening the seaweed value chain, improving market access, addressing climate change impacts, and promoting marine ecosystem protection. Participants also examined key challenges in policy, financing, and investment, while identifying opportunities for European Union engagement in sustainable aquaculture and the green economy.
Through these engagements, MSU TCTO reaffirmed its role as a key knowledge hub and development partner in BARMM—advancing peacebuilding, strengthening sustainable livelihoods, and deepening global linkages. Guided by its mission, Creating Opportunities, Transforming Lives, the University continues to drive inclusive development and shape a more sustainable future for BARMM and the global community.
