Post on 19-Jan-2016
description
MULTIPURPOSE COMMUNITY
TELECENTERS (MCT)
Ms. Merlita Opeña
PCHRD-DOST
What is MCT?
MCT piloted in the Philippines the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for rural developmentMCT aims to contribute to people’s empowerment and development by providing access to community and partners’ information and communication resources and services.
Why MCT?
MCT is a response to the challenge ofgiving equitable access to knowledge and resourcesbringing the rural villages out of isolationmaking the information society to be more about inclusion rather than exclusion
What MCT expects to achieve?
To set-up a one-stop information resource center for the people in the barangays, by giving them access to information, people, and organizations, with the use of simple and state-of-the-art communication tools that can provide answers to the communities’ concerns.
What MCT expects to achieve?
To serve as a venue for learning, interaction, creating content and ICT-based applications, relevant to the needs of the communities (e.g., health, education, agriculture/fisheries/natural resources, rural enterprise development)
MCT Pilot Sites
Agusan del NorteBarangay Maguinda, Butuan City
Barangay Jaliobong, Kitcharao
Lanao del NorteBarangay Malingao, Tubod
Barangay Taguitic, Kapatagan
Location
Taguitic, Kapatagan
Legend:
Malingao, Tubod
Jaliobong, Kitcharao
Maguinda, Butuan City
Lanao del Norte
Agusan del Norte
Building on Related Initiatives
MCT Initial Partners
International Development Research Center (IDRC)
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Association for Progressive Communications – Women’s Networking Support Programme (APC-WNSP)
MCT Initial Partners
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD)Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)DOST-CARAGA DOST-10 Philippine Science High School – Central Mindanao (PSHS-CM) – Lanao del Norte
MCT Initial Partners
National Library of the Philippines (NLP)
Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) – Telecommunications Office (TelOf) – Lanao del Norte and Agusan del Norte
Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST)
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)
eDevelopment Initiatives for Civil Society Organizations, Inc. (eDI)
MCT Services
Public Calling Office
Internet Access
Computer Processing Center
Library and Reading Center
Training Resource Center
Content and ICT-based Applications
MCT Development Strategies
build on existing programs
work with partners
create local content/application
ensure long-term viability and sustainability by strengthening local capability
Lessons Learned
Barangays have the capability to solve their own problem; they have resourcesThe people in the rural community are not always waiting for free services; they have the capability to pay
Lessons Learned
MCT is a relationship project, one works within a web of relationshipsBottom-up governance is viable; there is a need to shift to the top-down view
On management and operation…
Each MCT is different from the others, strongly dependent on leaders
There should be a balance between giving public and commercial services
Voluntarism is valuable, especially when the MCT is just starting
On community mobilization…
Project ownership by the community is essential
Active community involvement, sectoral formation and participation are very important
On community mobilization…
Persons with strong leadership, with the right ability and orientation, encourage active community participation and help ensure a strong and sustainable MCT
Easier if there is an existing organization
On content development...
Information need is an evolving concern
Content/resources/applications available in the MCT should respond to the community’s information needs
On content development...
Community itself generates its own content – a major source
Networking with content generators enriches information resource at MCTs
On content development...
Use of local dialect hastens understanding and results to action
Use popular/appropriate language and format
Communicate proactively
On technical infrastructure...
Use appropriate, stable, and robust technology for connectivity, computing, and communication
MCT operators should be trained on equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting
On evaluation and monitoring...
Storytelling, by itself, and in combination with other tools, is a potent way to evaluate projects
Looking into the views and needs of non-users is important
Visit the MCT Website
www.barangayconnect.ph
Thank you