Alfredo Lagmay

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Alfredo Villagracia Lagmay
Official portrait, National Academy of Science and Technology
Born	August 14, 1919
Died	December 15, 2005(2005-12-15) (aged 86)
Nationality	Filipino
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Diliman Harvard University
Occupation	Psychologist
Awards	National Scientist of the Philippines

Alfredo Villagracia Lagmay (August 14, 1919 –December 15, 2005) was a respected Filipino psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He received his Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University and trained under the renowned psychologist and founder of the radical behaviorism movement B.F. Skinner.^[1][2]

He was conferred the distinction of National Scientist of the Philippines, the highest recognition given to Filipino scientists, in 1988. He is the father of University of the Philippines geology professor Alfredo Mahar Lagmay

Lagmay was born on August 14, 1919 in Manila. His father was an immigrant from Ilocos who works in a pre-war gas company, Sacony. As a child whose family is struggling with poverty, he had a hobby of reading books and diligent study despite discouragement from family members. As a result of his diligent studying, he graduated Burgos Elementary School as a valedictorian.^[3]

Lagmay continued his education at Aurellio High School. He was an athletic individual as he was part of the 100-meter dash sports team in high school. He also became an athlete during his undergraduate years at the University of the Philippines (UP).^[3]

Due to his struggle from poverty, he sought for employment at UP. He worked with the Property Division of the UP administration. After a year, he worked with the Dean of Men's office and afterwards as a reception clerk to then UP President Bienvenido M. Gonzales. He worked on daytime and attend evening classes since 1939. During this time, he wanted to pursue a career in medicine but in 1941 changed his mind to pursue psychology.^[3]

He applied for undergraduate admission and scholarship to ten U.S. universities but two of them replied. However, World War II began and Lagmay have to delay his studies. After the war, he shifted to philosophy due to the lack of teachers in psychology at the time. In 1947, he received his bachelor's degree in Philosophy as cum laude.^[3]