**CBCP-NASSA** The Social Arm of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines

The National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (NASSA) was created by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in 1966 as a response to the call of the Universal Church for renewal and social transformation. It is the social arm of the CBCP, under the direction and supervision of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace (ESCA-JP).

Organically called NASSA, the “Justice and Peace” was attached to the to the institution's name in 1969, after the Vatican created the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and called for the establishment of local counterparts throughout the world. The justice and peace component became relevant to the Philippine situation, especially at the height of the Martial Law, because of the frequency of the human rights violations during that time.

NASSA slowly spread into different regions ( Luzon , Visayas and Mindanao ) eventually giving birth to the Diocesan Social Action Centers (DSACs) all over the Philippines . Currently totaling 85, the DSACs are now responsible for coordinating social action activities in the parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).

“We commit ourselves to:

• Ongoing formation towards mature social consciousness;

• Initiating and supporting sustainable development programs that uphold the integrity of the human person and of creation and are gender and children sensitive;

• Delivering development programs and services for the empowerment and strengthening of Basic Ecclesial Communities and other faith communities;

• Promoting Cooperation and dialogue with other cultures and faiths in pursuit of genuine justice and peace; and

• Linking and networking with other like-minded groups: non-government organizations, people's organizations, and government organizations."

NASSA, which began with an executive director, a secretary and a janitor, grew into a wide Church network. The regular holding of the National Social Action General Assembly (NASAGA), which started in 1969, gathers all diocesan social action directors, The ESCA-JP Board as well as the national office program officers. The NASAGA is the venue for discussion and approval of major resolutions relating to the network's thematic programs, social services, and organizational development.

NASSA's official name is the Caritas Filipinas Foundation Inc. (CBCP-CFFI), and it represents the Philippines in Caritas Internationalis – a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations present in 201 countries.

© 2007 CBCP-NASSA. Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines and National Secretariat for Social Action - Justice & Peace
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