He co-founded and was former chairperson of Galian sa Arte at Tula (GAT). Two of his poems are anthologized in Virgilio S. Almario's Walong Dekada ng Makabagong Tula (Eight Decades of Modern Poetry), "Isang Tanong sa Sarili" (A Question for Myself) and "Ako si Virgilio V. Vitug" (I am Virgilio V. Vitug). his other works are found in Galian and New Poems in Pilipino. He wrote a Pampango passion play, Sinakulo ning Balen (Passion of the Town), and co-authored a book, Agribusiness Opportunities in the Philippines, 1988.
Vitug has won the following awards; honorable mention, "Simula ng Gabi sa Lubao" (Evening Commences in Lubao), 1969, and "Isang Tanong sa Sarili," 1976, in the Talaang Ginto of the Surian ng Wikang Pambansa, respectively; special award, Loyola Poetry Contest, 1972; and second prize, National Zarzuela Writing Contest for "Hoy, Boyet" (Hey, Boyet). He has been a fellow at the Ateneo Writers' Workshop, 1970; UP Writers' Workshop, 1971; and Silliman Writers' Workshop, 1972.