Dr.Marcos P. Vega
Dr. Marcos P. Mega is an Educator, Scientist, and a Researchers.
“Be the best of whatever you are.” This philosophy has guided Dr. Marcos P. Vega throughout his life. Upon graduating with honors at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB), he immediately joined the faculty of the State University. It did not take long for him to earn the reputation of being one of the best faculty members in the UP College of Agriculture.
Dr. Vega left for the U.S.A in 1956 to take a master’s degree in Weed Science. After year, be returned to UPLB and launched the university’s Weed Science Program. He was appointed as the Director of Research in 1970. He formulated the development strategies for the country’s rice and con program. This greatly helped in boosting the country’s production of rice and corn.
Dr. Vega’s contributions to the study of weed science did not end there. he gained international recognition as an expert in his field. In 1972, he joined the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in Los Banos, Laguna. He was the first Filipino to be appointed as director IRRI. After five years, he was promoted to Deputy Director General, the second highest position in the institute. As an IRRI administrator, he involved national scientists in strengthening and accelerating rice improvement programs in the Philippines and in other countries.
