Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), a center of the School of Social Sciences of the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University, has since 1960 conducted research into socio-economic development, with a view to assist the most disadvantaged groups in Asia to an improved quality of life.
IPC seeks "a better understanding of culture and society in the Philippines and other Asian countries, an improved quality of life for disadvantaged groups, and a more peaceful, just, and equitable national and global society." IPC seeks to enhance its capability through study and field research so as to be a resource for government, businesses, communities, and NGOs in fostering people-centered development in the Asian region. Some of its research is aimed at present needs and immediate action – training programs and partnership for advocacy and action to assist government and civil society. This research has focused on cultures, development programs, city sustainability and governance, youth and children, and health and technology.
IPC also conducts more long-range research into the dynamics of Philippine society in six areas: social justice, poverty, and resilience; civil society, social change, and cultural and faith-based values; asset building and social capital formation in community-based health, education, shelter, and natural resource management; cultures of work, conflict, and peace; the impact of globalization; and the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Institutional Research Program. The staff undertakes research on their own into areas of interest to them that they deem important, for instance, what most influences peoples' vote, the situation of Filipinos working abroad, how to bridge the poverty gap, Church related issues, and topics related to armed conflict, natural disasters, and urban development, population displacements, and informal settlements.
Externally-funded research. This is funded by various governmental and non-governmental agencies on a plethora of topics. IPC is also involved in studying research methods and value-orientation, as well as technology-supported means of data collection and processing.
Merit Research Awards. Any full-time staff member at the Ateneo may receive funding from the Ford Foundation for a year's scholarly, social science research that will result in a public lecture and published results. Topics range over a host of issues of current concern.
Visiting Research Associates (VRA). This program offers no stipend or job at the Ateneo but it facilitates work by doctoral or postdoctoral students, domestic and foreign. This is complemented by a VRA lecture series in which they may present their findings.
Department of Sociology and Anthropology Scholarship Program. Through this the Ford Foundation grants scholarships for graduate studies in these departments at the Ateneo. It is the successor to the program which from 1986-2008 trained hundreds of social science professionals from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. This program accepts Filipinos for two years of full-time study toward an MA in sociology, anthropology, or social development. They will be introduced to current research at IPC and should give promise of assisting their communities to adapt to the social and cultural changes that are transforming the Philippine landscape.
Ateneo Cultural Laboratory (ACL). This is an intensive, three-week summer school for Ateneo students and external professionals, aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of areas frequented by tourists, including San Juan del Monte (2011); Baclayon, Alburquerque, Loay, and Loboc (2012); Kalibo and Boracay (2013); Nasugbu and Belayan (2014); and Puerto Princesa (2015).
International Summer School for Doctoral Researchers on the Philippines. This ran from 2011 to 2015, funding summer research by doctoral candidates in their study of Philippine culture.
Publications. IPC publishes papers, monographs, research reports, reprints, and the IPC Culture and Development Series, as well as hosting a website. Areas covered include conferences, research, discussions, and various lecture series.
