The Mindanao State University (MSU) System has approved the offering of a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography at its Tawi-Tawi campus, marking the first undergraduate Oceanography degree program in the Philippines. The approval was announced on June 1, 2026, following a session of the MSU System University Council held on May 29 at the MSU-Marawi College of Hotel and Tourism Management Pavilion.
Historic Approval
The meeting, presided over by MSU System President Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, was attended by campus chancellors and senior university officials. Among the key decisions was the endorsement of the BS Oceanography program to be offered by Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO). The 171-unit curriculum is aligned with international sustainability goals and aims to leverage the region's unique marine location.
MSU stated, “On the curricular front, the Council approved several strategic academic advancements aimed at regional development and strict regulatory compliance. Most notably, the session marked the historic new program offering of the BS Oceanography program at MSU-Tawi-Tawi, a first-of-its-kind 171-unit curriculum aligned with international sustainability goals to leverage the region's unique marine location.”
Strategic Location
Tawi-Tawi’s position within the Sulu Archipelago, one of the country's most biologically diverse marine regions, makes it an ideal setting for oceanographic research and education. The province lies near major marine corridors and ecosystems that support fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and climate-related studies.
MSU-TCTO Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali welcomed the development, saying in a Facebook post, “Alhamdulillah! The new BS Oceanography program was approved by the MSU System University Council today! MSU TCTO now has an ‘O’ after 57 years! The first in the country to offer BS Oceanography.”
Institutional Background
MSU-TCTO has long positioned itself as a center for fisheries, marine, and environmental sciences in the southern Philippines. Established in 1969 and later becoming an autonomous campus of the MSU System, the institution focuses on marine resources, fisheries development, ocean studies, and environmental stewardship in the Bangsamoro region. Its Institute of Oceanography and Environmental Science conducts research and community-based initiatives related to marine conservation and sustainable resource management.
The university’s vision is “a university in the Sulu Archipelago renowned for Fisheries, Marine and Environmental Science,” with a mission to promote sustainable utilization of fisheries and marine resources and advance scientific knowledge for community development.
Next Steps
The newly approved Oceanography program, along with other academic measures endorsed during the meeting, will be forwarded to the MSU System Board of Regents for final deliberation and approval later this month. If ratified, the program is expected to expand opportunities for marine science education and research in Mindanao while contributing to the country’s growing need for ocean and climate experts.
