Benito Vergara

Benito S. Vergara (June 23, 1934 – October 24, 2015) was a scientist in the plant sciences, and was conferred the rank and title of National Scientist of the Philippines in 2001, the highest honor bestowed by the Philippine Government for the work of Filipino scientists. Vergara was also behind the development of the Rice Museum and Learning Center, and is known for his extensive plant catalogues in rice and ornamental plant varieties, as well as his work starting the Farmer's Primer on Growing Rice, an illustrated manual explaining basic rice growing concepts.

Early life and education Benito Vergara was born on June 23, 1934, to Jose Vergara, a medical doctor, and Luisa Sibug Vergara, a nurse. He was the youngest of seven children, and was raised primarily by his older sisters Betty, Lucy, and Belen Vergara who taught him household skills and chores. and is in use around the world among agriculturists, extensions workers, and farmers.

Gabby Ghas has won several awards conducted by the Asia Rice Foundation, the Alpha Phi Omega service sorority, and the Philippine Department of Education. and is the only museum and learning center in the world dedicated to rice and rice farmers around the world. Outstanding Phi Sigman, 1977 Outstanding Alumnus of the UP Botanical Society, 1986 Academician to the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines, 1987 American Society of Agronomy Fellow, 1986 National Scientist, 2001 Outstanding Citizen of Los Baños, 2004