Grantee	Davao Medical School Inc.
Project Title	Internet Connection to 4 Villages of the Municipality of San Isidro, Province of Davao del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines
Amount Awarded	USD 30,000
Dates covered by this report:	2021-12-14 to 2022-06-14
Economies where project was implemented	Philippines
Project leader name	Josephine Alindajao
Partner organization	Four People's Organizations (POs), such as the Pinamuno Farmer's Livelihood Association (PFLA) who took over management of the infrastructure., The organization also has its in-house Local Area Network Information Officer (LANIO). Given the COVID 19 pandemic, online meetings and classes are being conducted by the school and its different offices. He is responsible in ensuring that the DMSF staff and medical students has stable internet connection. He is the one who trouble shoots if connection are sometimes unstable.

Project Summary

The small scale grant from ISIF Asia was used in the implementation of the proposed project by mounting a device called the Point to Point (P2P) Connection. The P2P Connection is a private data connection securely connecting two or more locations for private data services. A point to point connection is a closed network data transport service which does traverse the public Internet and is inherently secure with no data encryption needed. A P2P network can also be configured to carry voice, video, Internet and data services together over the same P2P connection. The DMSF-IPHC identified and negotiated with private individual/group who installed the P2P connection. The DMSF-IPHC and the private group come to an agreement on the cost of the package and the monthly dues. At the community level, the DMSF-IPHC identified the people's organization (PO) in each of the proposed project site/village. They were responsible in maintaining and securing the device. A PISOWIFI vendo machine was made available in each of the proposed project sites/villages and were managed by the same group. The rest of the members (students, teachers, residents and other potential users) in each of the project site can use the vendo with a user's fee. The user's fee were used for the Internet monthly fee. This became a business of the POs. When the income is more than the monthly dues, supplementary income were used as fund of the POs for maintenance.

Table of Contents

• Background and Justification
• Project Implementation Narrative
• Project Review and Assessment
• Gender Equity and Inclusion
• Project Management
• Project Sustainability
• Project Communication
• Project Recommendations and Use of Findings
• Bibliography

Background and Justification

The Philippines is one of the many countries in the world that benefitted from the evolution of information technology. The Internet is a key aspect of this evolution, and in the Philippines it is provided by the following local service providers: 

• Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) 
• Globe 
• Converge 
• Skycable 
• DC Tech

However, it is very unfortunate that the whole country is experiencing low Internet access because the majority of the Filipinos used cellphones in order to communicate with loved ones, friends and others here and abroad.  The speed of data transmission from cellphones is very slow because of limited tower installed by Telco Company around the Philippines. On the other hand, rural areas have fewer cell sites compared to the urban sites because the Telco Company is quite hesitant to build their tower in the rural areas due to the presence of people tagged as the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) all over the Philippines particularly in the island of Mindanao. This group is composed of armed men and women who oppose how the government system is managed by the local and national leaders in the country. The Telco Company feared these lawless elements because they might destroy their towers, especially in the rural areas. 

Moreover, the other cause of low Internet access is that the Internet service providers have only given limited bandwidth. Most connections nowadays are from the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line which can only provide access limited signal or band width compared to the Fiber Optic Cables. It is aggravated by the fact that not all Filipinos can afford the payment of monthly bills for the Internet used. Some Filipinos who do have Internet access, only do because they bought a PesoWIFI vendo machine to get access to the internet services. This is usually done in the rural areas where families used antenna to catch signals with use of a prepaid sim. However, these can’t provide the best connection of which people are expecting it to be. The above situations hold true even in chartered cities like Davao City and in the whole of Mindanao. 

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the problem of internet access due to the strict enforcement of health protocols as mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) of COVID-19 and by the respective local government units. The health restrictions turned face-to-face classes from the elementary, secondary, colleges and post graduate levels into massive use of online classes. Trainings and meetings with government and private sectors and people in communities being served by the DMSF-IPHC are conducted via zoom or Facebook. This implies the need for a more stable signal of the internet because most people have utilized social media as the main medium of communication nowadays. These conditions are found in both rural and urban areas in the country. 

The reasons that Davao Medical School Foundation's Institute of Primary Health Care (DMSF-IPHC)is motivated to start this project is because of the following: 

• continuity of project activities with the people’s organizations and project partners in the unserved or underserved communities which aimed at improving project implementation and sustainability 
• more meaningful and efficient participation and engagement with people’s organizations and project partners 
• maximize the presence of DMSF-IPHC LANIO in using her expertise in information technology 
• establish good working relationship and engagement of local Internet service providers 

Project Implementation Narrative

Details of the Activities conducted:  

1. Project orientation with the PO members and Barangay Local Government Unit officers from barangays (smallest local government areas) of Pinamuno, Libuton, Datu Balong and Dacudao.   

• Level off understanding among the members on the project objectives, outputs and the role of POs   
• Verbal commitment of the members to support and accept the project   
• Set tentative schedule for drafting the policies in the implementation of the P2P   
• Initial sites and gadget custodian are identified 

2. Exploration of possible areas with sustained connectivity in each project site by the service provider Initial sites with sustained signal and connectivity identified by the PO members.   

• Barangay Pinamuno at Purok Mamaon    
• Barangay Libuton as proposed by Barangay Captain and agreed by the members in Barangay Hall   
• Baranguy Datu Balong , near Elementary  school gate or residence of  Ms. Adeline  Bono or  Residence of Ms. Salazar    
• Baranguy Dacudao in Sitio Mabuhay   

 3.  Identify individual or group to install the tower and the device. Initial agreements made with the RAJ communications (service provider) for the 80,000 package rate with the following inclusions:   

• Solar power (300 watts)   
• Service/ installation    
• Free lifetime maintenance and payment of internet fee   
• Centralized ticket distribution  
• Centralized connection    
• 60/40 %  sharing of income  
• Free 1 direct wired connection   
• Installation of tower in Baranguy Pinamuno, Datu Balong and Dacudao   
• Router in four Barangays (Pinamuno, Dacudao, Libuton and Datu Balong  
• Free training on installation and trouble shooting   

4. Coordination Meeting with Partners (POs & BLGU) for the P2P Policies 

• POs finalized and approved their Policies in the implementation and management of the P2P project and printing/photocopying in 4 villages.

• More information on the PFLA policy process.

5. Installation of P2P wifi-hotspot sites  providing accessible and affordable Internet connectivity to individuals & groups in the barangays/villages. 

There were four P2P connections – Wifi hotspot sites installed in covered barangays/villages (1 per barangay) within three months. They use solar panels as a source of energy. It is an advantage for the clients since they can still access the hotspot site even when the electricity is fluctuating compared to other sites established & owned by private individuals which are dependent to electricity.    

The involvement of the stakeholders in the project planning & policy formulation & partnership established among partners, the People’s Organizations (PO) and Local Government Units (LGU). The Service Provider has facilitated the fast installation process in the barangay/villages covered.  Consultation was also done with the barangay officials about the project operation in the area. Also, the main tower which is already present in each village owned by the partner service provider was tapped for the P2P connection. Tickets are sold at P5.00 per hour which is very affordable to students & other clients.   
A wifi hotspot site was also installed in the Center/office of the educational sponsorship program implemented by DMSFI in the 4 barangays  where the Internet connection project was also implemented. This is one of the unintended project outputs which has provided access for easy communication with the POs & other partners in updating project operations.    

The following groups in the community are accessing the wifi hotspot:

a.  School Children    
690 School children (Males: 197 & Females: 493) 110 of these children are under the education sponsorship program of DMSF & its funding partners and 580 are subsidized by their parents. These children are patronizing the services for their online classes & research activities.

b.  People’s Organization (POs)    
Four POs in the 4 villages are accessing the services for the dissemination of information about their group meetings & activities via group chat to its 250 members as well submission of their progress reports to partner NGO. They also used it for updating & reporting to the P2P service provider on the emerging issues & concerns in the operation for quick response.

c.  Community Organizers/field workers   
The 8 project staff are utilizing the hotspot sites for partners meetings (zoom), virtual trainings and submission of reports (email) to donor agency and for communication among the staff and partners.    

d.  Government & private organizations employees & other community members   
Teachers, Health Service Providers, Barangay leaders & businessmen are also accessing the wifi hotspot site for online live selling & purchasing, communicating to relatives & friends from local & international and news updates.   

6.  P2P connection management as income generating project by POs   

The P2P connection-wifi hotspot is being managed by the four (4) People’s Organizations.  The POs have designated from their member a caretaker/custodian of the P2P gadgets. The custodian is in charge of selling the tickets, recording & reporting of sales & expenses for the operation and communicating to service provider on the emerging issues concerns related to P2P connection (e.g weak/slow signal, tickets error, etc.)  for immediate action.  The project has also provided the opportunity to POs of implementing other income generating projects & services such as printing & scanning jobs which can also augment the income of the organization. 

Regular project monitoring & feedbacking was also done by POs to identify strategies that works well and areas for actions. POs officers were capacitated (the President, Treasurer, Bookeeper, Secretary & Gadget Custodian) through hands-on training on project & financial management and troubleshooting to ensure project sustainability.

7.  Revenue generation from Income Generating Projects (IGP) implemented by the POs   

Each PO partner has generated revenues from P2P & printing services ranging from P4,000 to P5,500.00 monthly and gradually increasing since the project started its operation. The total gross revenues accumulated of the four POs for the period  (from April to January 2023 ) is P P 178,936,90 (P2P wifi hotspsot- P167,461.90  & printing jobs P 11,475.00).  The revenues generated are distributed for health fund, reserve fund & community development fund & patronage refund. Policies on the generation and utilization of the aforementioned fund allocation was formulated by the People's organization managing the project , The gradual increase in income was due to  the following:   

a.  Regular patronage of PO members & other sectors in the community (e.g Senior citizen & 4Ps members, students, etc.).   

b.  Good marketing strategy.  There is an in-placed policy of POs allocating profit share (patronage refund) to clients accessing & referring the P2P hotspot, printing, photocopying & scanning services through patronage refund.    

c.  Good customer relation of custodian/caretaker with the clients   

d.  In-placed financial tracking & recording system   

8.  Capacity Building of POs ( Training on  Financial Management, Project Management and Troubleshooting)   

To ensure project sustainability, POs were capacitated for efficient & effective project management.  There were 24 PO officers & members participated the training on project & financial management including trouble shooting of the P2P gadgets & 3 n 1 printer. As an output,  financial recording, tracking & reporting system was installed and the participants has gained knowledge on operating & trouble shooting the P2P gadgets & printing equipment.   However, there is still a need to establish a clear mechanism on monitoring to ensure accountability of custodian to avoid loses of income.  Coaching & mentoring of the project staff for the financial recording, auditing and cash counting should also be conducted regularly.   

9.  One on one coaching on printer tutorial and troubleshoot.

A total of 10 participants attended the one on one coaching,  input and actual demonstration  on how to operate and troubleshoot the 3 in 1 printer( print, scan and photocopy). Mr. Cordero, resource person  provided simple manual of operations in Visayan dialect for easy reference of the participants. Each participants experienced on how to print, transfer of documents from cellphone , convert documents to PDF file, photocopy, scan, clean printhead and troubleshoot.    

10.  Working areas for clients accessing Wifi-hotspot Establishment   

Working area/space was provided in all villages/barangays near the area where the P2P hotspot site was located.  The project has provided construction materials, tables, benches & solar lantern in the working area to provide convenience and comfortability among clients especially the students accessing the Internet for their on-line classes & research activities.  The establishment of the working area was done through mutual help or “Bayanihan System” among PO members.  The counterpart of the PO is not only limited to labor & space provision but also includes food for the laborers and other materials such as bamboo and additional hardwood. The BLGU in Barangay Libuton provides cement and fine sand for the flooring of the working area.  

11.  Partnerships Establishment  (Government, POs, Network Service Provider, NGO/CSO)   

Partnership agreements/Memorandum of Understanding was established by the 4 POs (Pinamuno Farmers & Livelihood Association, Dacudao Farmers & Livelihood Association, Datu Balong Livelihood Farmers Association & Libuton Farmers & Livelihood Association) with the Service Provider (RAJ) and the DMSFI. As stipulated in the MOU, the service provider committed to provide lifetime technical assistance to POs in the operation of the project, maintenance, replacement of the gadgets in case of damages and even installation of the future expansion sites.

Project Review and Assessment

The DMSFI Management Committee (ManCom) conducted a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) among the project partners (PO, students, Barangay Officials, Non PO members) for project evaluation.  Below are the major findings and learnings verbalized by the partners:   

Findings:    

1.  The P2P project is very helpful in the barangay who used to have no or low signal. At the moment, Internet signals are readily available and the students & other clients can easily access wifi. They no longer go to the Poblacion and spend P150.000 for transportation to access internet.    

2.  The partners appreciated the trainings provided to them especially on financial management as this improve their knowledge in managing not only the P2P but also their own micro businesses. Some were able to improve the operation of their businesses (commodity store) because of the knowledge gained from the training.    

3.  The support of the members in managing the project is very evident. They help market the project (P2P and printing and scanning services) to the members and non-member as well.  

4.  The family members of the custodians are also helping one another in the recording of the daily transactions of the P2P and printing.  This is one the facilitating factors that supports the continuity of the project operation.

Gender Equity and Inclusion

The project fully support the active participation of women and other members of the LGBTQI+ by providing equal opportunity to access the Internet services. The project ensured inclusivity of all people with diverse gender orientation.  

The people's Organization who manages the project are women dominated, they showed leadership competency in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the different project activities. The project ensured that these leaders are capacitated to manage the project by providing training on recording, financial management, troubleshooting and minor repair. 

To cater persons with disabilities , the working areas are constructed in the most accessible sites and with cemented flooring where people with problems in mobility can access easily and comfortably. Signage are also installed to guide the customers to the working area.  

IPHC has been advocating gender equality in all its project . The staff are trained on gender sensitivity, gender justice and SOGIE and other gender related topics. This has enhanced the knowledge of the staff and apply learnings into gender-fair actions (no gender discrimination). As a result there was no incident report about complains pertaining to gender unfairness. 

The staff always reminded the parents and the organization officers and members to monitor learners while accessing the internet to ensure that they are not engaged in pornography and other prohibited sites. 

Project Management

The P2P connection-wifi hotspot is being managed by the four People’s Organizations. The POs have designated from their member a caretaker/custodian of the P2P gadgets. The custodian is in charge of selling the tickets, recording & reporting of sales & expenses for the operation and communicating to service provider on the emerging issues concerns related to P2P connection (e.g weak/slow signal, tickets error, etc)  for immediate action. The project has also provided the opportunity to POs of implementing other income generating projects & services such as printing & scanning jobs which can also augment the income of the organization. Regular project monitoring & feedback was done by POs to identify strategies that works well and areas for actions.   

Project Sustainability

To ensure project sustainability, POs were capacitated for efficient & effective project management.  There were 24 PO officers & members participated the training on project & financial management including trouble shooting of the P2P gadgets & 3 n 1 printer. As an output,  financial recording, tracking & reporting system was installed and the participants has gained knowledge on operating & trouble shooting the P2P gadgets & printing equipment. As stipulated in the MOU, the service provider committed to provide lifetime technical assistance to POs in the operation of the project, maintenance, replacement of the gadgets in case of damages and even installation of the future expansion sites. The users fee was collected and allocated for the group health fund, development funds, payment for monthly bills, other expenses and patronage /dividend refund of the members, however, there is still a need to establish a clear mechanism on monitoring to ensure accountability of custodian to avoid loses of income.  Coaching & mentoring of the project staff for the financial recording, auditing and cash counting should also be conducted regularly.

Project Communication

The DMSF-IPHC  conducted series of meetings with the People's Organization and discuss the status of its project implementation including challenges and how they solve issues and concerns. The project also communicate thru our P2P group chat (messenger) for important project announcements and concerns. The  project assessment using key Informant Interview and focus group discussion of selected members of the POs and also non PO members is  our basis on how to improve our service to the community.

Project Recommendations and Use of Findings

The following are the emerging challenges in the course of project implementation that somehow impedes the attainment of the project objectives:    

a.    Fluctuating or slow signal & ticket error     
 Clients are sometimes experiencing the difficulty of connecting with the hotspot sites due to slow signal & ticket error specifically in far flung areas.   A group chat among the custodians, project staff, LAN Officer of DMSF & service provider technician was created to closely monitor the operation of the P2P connection and immediate response to concerns on its operation. Additional MBPS per site was recommended. This will still be discussed by POs with the service provider.     

b.    Limited hotspot site coverage 
The site can only reach 300 meters wide coverage (open area).  Those living in far flung areas cannot easily access the Internet connection. A centralized system was established where the clients can also connect or access the Internet from other existing wifi hotspot site outside the open area but within the barangay which is installed by the same service provider. For future project expansion, it is recommended that wifi hotspot site will be installed in far flung area but technical assistance will be provided by the project staff & partner service provider. 

Learnings: 

1.   The Accountability mechanisms installed must be adhered at all times to avoid mismanagement and losses in the project operation.    

2.  The patronage of the members and community involvement in the project will help ensure the sustainability of the project. The patronage refund/profit sharing at the end of the year will encourage the members and non-members to patronize the services (P2P, printing, scanning).  This is something to look forward to by the clients, both members and non-members.   

3.  The PO members must be knowledgeable about their products and services for effective marketing and promotion. Hard work, they said can provide additional income to the PO and to the members as well.

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