The Agricultural Systems Institute conducted a strategic planning workshop on Jan 23-27 at the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES), College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR). The workshop aimed to review the existing academic, research and extension programs of the Institute and develop strategic plans in achieving its long-term visions for the coming years.

ASI Director Virgilio T. Villancio kick started the workshop with his inspirational message and by commending the efforts of all the staff for their work and commitment.

Separate workshop sessions were conducted for the three divisions of ASI namely; Division of Soil Science (DSS), Division of Agricultural Systems Studies (DASS), and Division of Agricultural Extension and Rural Studies (DAERS). Each group focused on crafting plans and programs for the academic and instruction programs and the six RDE programs of the Institute namely; Enhancing Soil Resources in Agricultural Systems, Agricultural Systems Adaptation to Climate Change, Organic Agriculture, Crop-Animal Systems,  Agricultural Extension and Entrepreneurship and Managing Agrobiodiversity.

During the division workshop, the Faculty, REPS and support staff reviewed the past accomplishments, current activities, and developed plans and directives including staff development and potential collaborative projects.

The workshop outputs consisting of curricular proposals, stackable modular program proposals, training course proposals, and the RDE trusts and plans were presented during the plenary session held last 30 January 2023 at the ASI Lecture hall during the celebration of the ASI 20^th anniversary. The ways forward was presented by ASI’s Deputy Director Sherry Marasigan, where she emphasized the Institute’s directions gearing towards future-proofing and aligning with the AGORA research and extension agenda.