The National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (NASSA) was created by the Catholic Bishops’ 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 action arm of the CBCP, under the direction and supervision of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action – Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP).

Organically called NASSA, the “Justice and Peace” was attached to the institution’s name in 1969, after the Vatican pushed for the establishment of local counterparts for the Church’s justice and peace work throughout the world. This component became relevant to the Philippine situation, especially during the height of Martial Law due to the frequency of human rights violations committed 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 totalling 85, the DSACs are now responsible for coordinating social action activities in the parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).

NASSA’s official name, which is SEC-registered and DSWD-accredited, is CBCP – Caritas Filipinas Foundation Inc. (CBCP-CFFI).  It represents the Philippines in Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations present in 201 countries.  Internationally, its identity is Caritas PHILIPPINES.

Through the years, the National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace (NASSA-Caritas Philippines), has been perceptively attentive to the structural problems of Philippine society and significantly involved in social advocacies in partnership with other civil society groups and government institutions that share the Church’s vision of morally transformed Filipino communities.

The identity of NASSA – Caritas Philippines, not only as provider of development programs for the poor, but also as prime exponent and defender of social justice, has been greatly affirmed  in 2010 when it intensified its advocacies and campaigns that promote structural change, while sustaining its support to programs that provide livelihood and support services to the grassroots communities. The various programs, projects, and activities, which NASSA has undertaken significantly show the institution’s commitment to attaining integral human development.