Bato CeC: A Catalyst in Information Technology

Limited internet connectivity and information resources in public and private schools were among the major concerns of Bato, Leyte, a small town with a land area of 7,152 hectares, composed of only 32 barangays. In 2005, the only connection to the internet was through dial-up - no internet service provider (ISP) prioritized putting up their infrastructures in the town.

To address these issues, the Bato Community eCenter (CeC) was opened to the public last December 4, 2006, with the mission of being a well-advanced, accessible and affordable CeC, enhancing the skills and capabilities of Batohanons in Information Technology. The Bato CeC technology began operations on an internet connection speed of 386 kbps. Aside from the Bato CeC, only two other centers offered the same connection speed.

Ms. Ma. Marvin Amatorio, however, wanted more improvement in the Center’s services and capabilities. Together with at least 30 residents, Ms. Amatorio successfully petitioned and convinced one ISP to put up their communication services in the town. Following this, two other ISPs also extended their services in Bato, Leyte.

Thanks to these developments, the town has now more than 20 internet cafés with either a wireless internet connection or a digital subscriber line (DSL) in operation as of September 2009.

The Bato CeC has recently transferred to the Bato Public Market to extend its services to even more clients. It now has eight computer units and is open to the public from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. From the initial services of computer rental/internet, encoding, printing, fax, scanning, CD burning, basic computer application/operation tutorial and ID lamination, this capable CeC now accepts orders for ID making, invitation cards, lay outing and printing of programs, generating at least P105,489.00 in net income upon the end of the second quarter alone.

All these and more would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Bato CeC in pushing for the availability of better and faster services for its community.

Bato CeC draws more clients with its new location at the LGU owned Public Market area.