Dr. 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 , and is known for his extensive plant catalogues in rice and ornamental plant varieties, as well as his work starting the , an illustrated manual explaining basic rice growing concepts.