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Miriam College
Institutional Network for Social Action
Katipunan Road, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Philippines
Telephone: (+632) 580-5400 extn. 3555

The Institutional Network for Social Action or INSA today is a merger of 3 offices namely, the Community Extension Services Office (CESO), the Office for Social Involvement (OSI) and the "old" Institutional Network for Social Action (INSA).

• In 1970, the Social Development Program (SDP) was created. Its goal was to carry out the social objective of Maryknoll College, which was to develop students who are socially aware and oriented to the service of others.

• In 1979, the SDP underwent a gradual restructuring and redirected its emphasis on community service. Thus, the Community Extension Services Office (CESO) was born.

Since then, CESO concentrated its effort both as link of Miriam College to the different communities and as direct venue for service in response to the needs and concerns of the disadvantaged members of its neighboring communities.

• In 1979, the College Integration Conscientization Plan (ICP) was conceptualized. At the heart of the ICP was for the college to adopt a community for the students’ exposure-immersion and to consolidate all its conscientization activities. These were implemented through the Office for Social Concern (OSC), which was established in1981. Later on OSC was renamed as the Office for Social Involvement (OSI).

• In 1995, the "old" Institutional Network for Social Action (INSA) was created to promote networking and sharing among the unit social action offices and advocacy centers in Miriam College. Though composed mainly of volunteers, its operation as a loose network was firmly guided by the principles of synergy, interdependence, complimentarity and shared leadership.

• In 1999, the "old" INSA was created as an office and has adopted a more formal system and structure. Since then, INSA has gradually made its mark by systematizing the social involvement of the Miriam College community through various internal and external projects and activities.
 

With the yearning to create more impact, Miriam College merged CESO, OSI and the "old" INSA into one center with unified vision and goals. As it shifts gear with revitalized programs and strategies, the "new" INSA, as an advocacy center, upholds its commitment to the empowerment of the poor and marginalized groups in the society.

INSA, as an advocacy center envisions …
… a progressive educational institution working in partnership with empowered communities in a transformed society where justice and peace prevail.

In Miriam College, INSA commits itself to …
… raise the social awareness and deepen the social involvement of teachers and students and orchestrate volunteerism as expression of solidarity with the poor.

In Miriam College partner communities, INSA commits itself to …

… build local leaders’ capabilities for community development and advocate for the advancement of people’s rights.