Mindanao, the second largest island in the country, was considered to be the last frontier because of its broad expanse of unexplored lands and rich natural resources.

In those past decades that Mindanao was receiving migrants, the region remained poor and under-developed. The deplorable state of the island, however, challenged some private institutions such as Xavier University at Cagayan de Oro City with a mission to "develop men and women for others" and make attempts to respond to some of the Mindanao problems and concerns. One of these moves was to create a research center that would delve into these issues in order to find solutions.

Therefore, the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture, popular known as RIMCU, was founded in 1957 by the late Rev. Fr. Francis C. Madigan, S.J. Its primary objective is to focus research on social science to advance the development of Mindanao. A developed and dynamic Mindanao is envisioned to be a region for a better life and richer culture for its people – the small farmers and fisherfolk, the Lumads and Muslims, and the urban poor.

Through the professional guidance of the late Fr. Madigan and the strong and unwavering commitment of the research associates who come from different social science disciplines (sociology, demography, economics, anthropology, and political science) RIMCU has become a leading center of social science in the southern Philippines.

Moreover, RIMCU is a research arm of Xavier University, and together with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, it serves as a resource training center for individuals, groups and institutions concerned with social topics and issues.