COMMUNITY e-CENTER
Empowering Rural Communities Through Information and Communiactions Technology (ICT)

Entrace to the Tanauan Community e-Center

In the pursuit of PGMA’s 10 Point Agenda specifically in Job-creation Thrust, two (2) municipalities in Region VIII spearheaded the adoption and use of Information Communication Technology as a means of empowering their localities. The municipality of Tolosa and Tanauan were among the first two municipalities who have established the community e-center or termed CeCs.

Kelly: The centers became the venues for disseminating and mobilizing knowledge for the increased in awareness in ICT, upgrade of technologies and eventually increased in productivity for all. The centers are equipped with multimedia computer sets, 4-in-1 Printer (Printer, scanners, fax, copier), entirely connected in a network and utilizing broadband connection. The centers were established through the joint venture of LGUs with NCC, CVISNet, GeoPlan Cebu and DOST Region VII.

With the adoption of ICT, the local communities will always take advantage on the use of VOIP (the emerging trend/technology for communication) that reduces long distance call charges benefiting OFWs and SMEs.

The services offered by community e-centers are the following:

• Email
• Internet Research
• Chat
• Local and International Calls using VOIP (Skype)
• Domestic and International Fax
• Scanning
• Photocopying

Some NEDA staff interview Mr. Eugenio Ramos, the head of the Tanauan e-Center, during their on-site monitoring of e-Centers in Leyte.

The Tolosa Community e-Center is temporary lodged at the Municipal Development Planning Office. It will be transferred to a new and bigger venue (nearby building) sometime this year.