Dr. Virginia R. Cardenas, a registered agriculturist, selflessly devotes her professional life to advancing agriculture as a career through mentoring, providing leadership in research, extension education and advisory services, governance, and policy development. She served the University of the Philippines Los Banos  (UPLB) as Professor in Governance and Rural Development, Dean of the College of  Public Affairs and Development, and Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs.  

At the international level, she served as Deputy Director for Administration of the SEAMEO-SEARCA, Board Member of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS), Regional Coordinator of Asia-Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services (APIRAS), and Consultant in agriculture education, rural development, and governance projects to numerous international development organizations. 

Her exceptional contributions to agricultural research. extension education, rural development, and governance,  have garnered recognition from various award-giving bodies, locally and internationally. A steadfast public servant, Dr. Cardenas continues to influence the professionalization of agriculturists in the Philippines. The Philippine Regulatory Commission appointed her as member of the Career Progression and Specialization Program - Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CPSP-CATS) Technical Cluster in Agriculture. 

Dr. Cardenas proudly earned her Ph.D. Extension Education'81, MS Applied Nutrition’77, and BS Home Technology’74 (Food and Nutrition Research), from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.