Surviving the throes of the pandemic, the Institute of Social Order celebrated its 76th Anniversary, from July 28 to August 2, filled with reconnections and commemoration. The affair was not limited with the ISO staff as we also celebrated the anniversary with fellow Benigno Mayo Hall tenants, local and Jesuit partners, and the Ateneo community. With this, ISO seeks to reconnect and strengthen the bonds with its fellow development sector colleagues.
Last July 28, the ISO held a Sports Fest that showcased different Filipino games loved by all ages. The ISO was joined by its tenants during the sports fest. Teams were made of different people from the tenants and other organizations for them to bond and enjoy themselves together during the sports fest. Most of the time everyone was just looking at each other or just simply giving them a wave of greeting. There were almost no opportunities to interact with one another despite the closeness of their proximity. The sports fest allowed everyone to get to know one another thus strengthening their bonds.
The ISO also participated in the Ignatian fest that was held on July 30, as part of the SJSA. Visitors to the ISO booth was welcomed with plants grown from our urban garden. These were also available for purchase. The concept of the urban garden was rooted from the E-Punla project; where its goal was to uplift the Institute by generating additional income and at the same time promote taking care of the environment from the comfort of one’s home during the pandemic. To promote ISO’s thrust in raising community and the general public’s awareness on coastal resource management and realities of the fisheries sector, self-produced videos were also played on loop at the booth. Knowledge materials by ISO, supported by various grants and projects, were also displayed for reading. Booth visitors also received free notebooks and storybooks that promote climate change awareness and environmental conservation. This was to allow the Institute to engage with its Jesuit network and the youth; letting them know what the ISO does in its operations.
Finally on August 2, the ISO held a mass, presided by Fr. Gabriel Lamug-Nañawa, to celebrate their 76th anniversary. ISO’s tenants also joined in the mass as well. After the mass, the Research and Publications Division presented the 2020-2022 Institutional Report through a photo carousel (see below). The report showcased ISO’s accomplishments amidst the pandemic.
The unit also did a soft launching of the 75th ISO Photobook. It included multiple case studies on different organizations that were formed by the ISO in the past 75 years. Lastly, the Samahang Parangal was held to recognize the roles and achievements of individuals and units the previous year. . Throughout the celebration, some members of the Board of Trustees were also present. The ISO were joined by Fr. Fr. Primitivo Viray, SJ, Mr. Dennis Calvan and Dr. Fabian Dayrit. Fr. Viray and Dr. Dayrit each gave their speech to the employees of the ISO congratulating them in their 76th celebration as well as their perseverance during the pandemic.
Institute of Social Order 