In light of the challenges of climate change, the persistence of poverty and food insecurity, and the increasing demands of rootcrops for industrial uses and micro and small enterprises, PhilRootcrops must respond with strategies that are effective leading to efficiency in rootcrop production and sustainability of efforts. Strategic Planning activities were in line with this response starting with two sessions in 2009 that built on previous planning initiatives.

The third session of PhilRootcrops Strategic Planning was held on June 10-11, 2010 at Kissbone Cove in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. Fourteen PhilRootcrops Research and Development Council (PRDC) members participated, all programs represented, led by the director, Dr. Julieta R. Roa. Dubbed as 2020 Vision, this Strategic Plan will form part of the document that will be presented to the meeting of the PhilRootcrops Advisory Board that will soon be requested. Under Presidential Decree 1107, which created PhilRootcrops, the Advisory Board is headed by the Secretary of Agriculture with members including the President of the Visayas State University, PCARRD, PhilRootcrops Director, and two private sector representatives.

The draft eight-page Strategic Plan in colored format was presented, and further fleshed out from the different program research and development agenda: varietal improvement and production, postproduction, mechanization, and social science and extension. Shared core values, key principles and approaches, the delivery system, the RDE network, the programs and organizational chart were refined. Foremost was the revised articulation of the vision into “Creating wealth, enhancing health, improving lives through roots and tubers”.