The Institute of Philippine Culture’s Research Scientist, Professor Mary Racelis, delivered a lecture on Engaged and Public Anthropology at a forum on “Pag-uugat at Pagsasanga: Antropolohiya katambal ang iba’t ibang larangang akademiko” last October 2, 2015, at the Claro M. Recto Hall, University of the Philippines (UP) Faculty Center.

Organized by the UP’s Department of Anthropology, the forum was part of a series of lectures, fora, and other events for the Department’s centennial anniversary celebration.

Faculty, students, and other professionals listened to Prof. Racelis, who shared her experience of being with IPC and being an “activist anthropologist.” She made her case for the need for Engaged and Public Anthropology, where empirical evidence gathered from fieldwork is linked to advocacy. She further explained that Engaged Anthropology is much needed in light of all the problems the marginalized sectors in the country face today.

Dr. Michael Tan (UP Chancellor), Dr. Marife Yap (Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health), Dr. Maria Mangahas (President, Ugnayang Pang Agham Tao, Inc.), and Dr. Jose Jowel Canuday (Assistant Professor in Sociology, Ateneo de Manila University) were invited to speak in the forum alongside Prof. Racelis.