Dr Benito S Vergara 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.
13 Facts About Benito Vergara
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Dr Benito Vergara was born on June 23,1934 to father Jose Vergara, a medical doctor, and Luisa Sibug Vergara, a nurse.
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Benito Vergara 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.
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In 1961, Dr Benito Vergara joined the IRRI as an Associate Plant Physiologist in 1961.
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Benito Vergara identified the source of the problem to be the materials and language used to explain rice growing concepts.
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Benito Vergara published a collection of catalogues that primarily focused on rice, before moving to ornamental plant varieties.
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Benito Vergara led a children's book project called Gabby Ghas endorsed by the Department of Education.
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Benito Vergara married his wife, Lina Manalo-Benito Vergara, IRRI's first head librarian.
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Benito Vergara has two sons, Sunny and Happy Vergara, a daughter, Joy Vergara, and four grandchildren.
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On October 24,2015 at the age of 81, Benito Vergara died of a heart attack.
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Benito Vergara was a member of the Ornamental Team of the Philippines Council for Agriculture and Resource Research.
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Benito Vergara was president of the Los Banos Orchid Society.
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Benito Vergara has won numerous awards for his scientific work, and work within his community.