MULTIPURPOSE COMMUNITY

TELECENTERS (MCT)

Ms. Merlita OpeñaPCHRD-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, KitcharaoMaguinda, Butuan City

Lanao del NorteAgusan del Norte

Building on Related Initiatives

MCT Initial PartnersInternational 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 PartnersDepartment 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 PartnersNational 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 ServicesPublic 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 programswork with partnerscreate local content/applicationensure long-term viability and sustainability by strengthening local capability

Lessons LearnedBarangays 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 LearnedMCT 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 servicesVoluntarism is valuable, especially when the MCT is just starting

On community mobilization…

Project ownership by the community is essentialActive 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 MCTEasier if there is an existing organization

On content development...Information need is an evolving concernContent/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 sourceNetworking with content generators enriches information resource at MCTs

On content development...Use of local dialect hastens understanding and results to actionUse 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 projectsLooking into the views and needs of non-users is important

Visit the MCT Website

www.barangayconnect.ph

Thank you