History

"Based in beautiful Geneva, Switzerland, International Social Service (ISS) is a multinational voluntary organization with no political, racial, religious, or national prejudice. It assists individuals and families with personal and/or social problems requiring inter-country cooperation and intervention."

ISS-Philippines Network as delegation office currently operates under the auspices of and in partnership with ISS-Hongkong, a full-fledged ISS Branch and Regional Coordinator. Following is a brief sketch of the highlights of ISS-Phils., Inc. journey from the early days to the present.

A Thumbnail Sketch of the History of ISS-Phils., Inc.

YEAR STATUS / EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS FOCAL PERSONS
1990 PNRC officials organized ISS-Philippines to assist ISS-Hongkong in the Programs for Vietnamese refugees in Morong, Bataan. Ms. Porthia Guevara (deceased)
1992 ISS-Huong Voung, Inc. registered and officially launched with Dr. Generoso Cardidad as President. Dr. Generoso Caridad – First President
1995 The Bataan Refugee Program was terminated and all equipments and files supplies lodged at DSWD’s NVRC facility c/o Usec. Milagros Llanes Usec Milagros Llanes
1996 ISS-Phils., Inc. secretariat temporarily moved to NORFIL Ms. Beth Pangan NORFIL Fdn., Inc.
1997 The secretariat transferred to Phil. National Red Cross,Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila. Ms. Lourdes R. Loyola & Lyn David
1998 McKintosh Fdn thru ISS-Hongkong approved a proposal of ISS-Phils., Inc. implementing a livelihood project for Mt. Pinatubo victims. -do-
2000 McKintosh Fdn.’s fund was re-channeled to NORFIL’s micro-credit project among Pinatubo victims in Madapdap Resettlement, Pampanga Ms. Beth Pangan NORFIL Fdn., Inc.
2001 First Strategic Workshop was held and established ISS-Phils., Inc.’s core services namely: Trafficking of children, trafficking of women, OFW’s and families, expatriates with adjustment difficulties in the Philippines. Mr. Stephen Yau
Ms.Adrielle Panares
ISS-Hongkong
Ms. Corazon Alma de Leon – 2nd President
2001 Ms. Cora de Leon was elected President. ISS-Phils., Inc. sets up its first office at Scout Rallos Ms. Corazon Alma de Leon – 2nd President
2004 ISS-Phils., Inc. was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange CommissionISS-Phils.,Inc. transferred to its present location i.e. 11 Visayas Ave., Quezon City. Ms. Adrielle Panares, Sis. Mary Ann Sevilla, Justice Leonor Ines Luciano and Mrs. L. Loyola.
2004 ISS-Phils., Inc. was also issued a Permit to Operate as an Social Welfare Agency. Justice Leonor Ines Luciano - Chairperson
2004 First General Assembly; Election of Trustees, and regular Board Meetings were held. Membership Drive was also launched. Justice Leonor Ines Luciano, Judge Aurora N. Recina, Mrs. L. Loyola, Ms. Katherine H. Gordon
2006 ISS-Phils., Inc. was admitted to become an independent Branch of International Social Service community. The Second General Assembly was held prior to the admission. Judge Aurora Navarrette Recina – 3rd President, and 3 BOT, Mrs. L. Loyola
2007 ISS-Phils., Inc. hosted the 6th Regional Asia-Pacific Meeting in Manila. Board of Trustees, ISS-Hongkong and Executive Director
2007 ISS-Phils., Inc.’s partnership with allied agencies both GOs and NGOs increased from 13 to 23. Review and realighnment of Strategic Directions; Third General Assembly. Justice Leonor Ines Luciano, Judge Aurora N. Recina, Ms. Lourdes Loyola