The Mindanao State University-General Santos City hosted the first regional book launch of Understanding Philippine Society, Culture, and Politics (Anvil) by Prof. Randolf S. David last 21 February 2017.

David is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology from the University of Philippines, Diliman. He is the author of several books including the prize-winning Nation, Self, and Citizenship: An Invitation to Philippine Sociology (University of the Philippine Press), that won the National Book Award in 2002 and 2003.

Aside from his work in the academe, David is well known for his work as a ‘public intellectual.’ He served as host of several sociologically-oriented television programs such as Off the Record (ANC, 2002–2003) and resource person for ABS-CBN.

The book Understanding Philippine Society, Culture, and Politics brings together his lectures, speeches and articles published in his column Public Lives at The Philippine Daily Inquirer. David’s columns are celebrated for translating complex sociological insights to a language that is accessible to broader audiences. The book is edited by his colleague from UP’s Sociology Department, Professor Laura Samson.

During the launch, David urged the audience to ‘come together as a national community… to fulfill the dreams of our national heroes.’ He makes a case for modernity for its power to unite people in an increasingly complex world.

More than 200 people attended the launch including the NGO workers, teachers, policy makers, local officials, church workers, political activists, as well as students. The launch was interactive, where David addressed issues of religion, identity, and the unfinished project of the nation.

MSU-General Santos City’s Department of Sociology and the Philippine Sociological Society are among the organisers of the regional launch.

The book can be purchased online through Anvil’s website. David also has a forthcoming interview with the Philippine Sociological Review to be published in October.

This piece is drafted by Jenena T. Solmayor, a third year sociology student of Mindanao State University – General Santos City.

Click to see the video snapshots of the event.