Introduction
In 2007 EVISNet focused its activities on the implementation of the Eastern Visayas Online (EV Online). On September 21, 2006, the Regional Development Council VIII, in its special meeting at Kanhuraw Convention Center, approved the proposed Eastern Visayas Online through RDC Resolution No. 43, series of 2006.
The proposal envisioned a single portal for all its members’ website. Thus the portal EV Online with url www.evonline.net.ph was established.
The portal was established based on the premise that smooth and rapid information sharing using ICT particularly the use of internet and websites, will enable RDC VIII to effectively coordinate, plan, attract investors, evaluate and monitor projects.
EVISNet still continue to provide internet access to some RDC members, government employees, State Colleges and Universities and the public through its dial-up internet access. The connection to the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and Leyte Normal University was only up to December, 2007 while that of the Visayas State University was up to January 2008. The number of dial-up lines were also reduced leaving only nine lines as of January 2008.
System Administration
- The system still has analog dial-up lines for its pre-paid and post paid subscribers. During the year, continuing disconnection of dial-up lines were implemented by batch leaving the Network with 9 dial-up lines, 3 lines provided by Bayantel, and 6 lines by Globe.
- Its operation was supported by four (4) servers with Linux and Free BSD as its operating systems, one new RDC server, 2 cyclades/serial expanders and 22 56kbps analog modems.
- During the year, it continue to provide internet connection to 8 government agencies, 2 non-government organizations, 4 government employees and 4 State Universities and Colleges.
- To make use of excess bandwidth especially at night when SUCs and agencies are not using their connection, prepaid internet access cards (KIDLAT) were sold.
- EVISNet also provided the following services:
- Content Development – development and maintenance of EV Online portal as the portal for all RDC/Seccom members and development of RDC/SecCom members website for free.
- Web Hosting - NEDA website, RDC website, EVISNet website, EV Online website and 38 RDC/SecCom members website.
Eastern Visayas Online
EV Online developed its website/portal in December 2006 and was launched in January 2007. It targeted the development of four RDC/SecCom members websites per month. It was able to developed thirty-eight (38) websites of RDC/SecCom members for free and as of December 2007 EVISNet hosted 46 websites of RDC/SecCom members.
EV Online also monitored the visits to these websites to determine if these websites are being accessed by the intended users and the general public. Below are the results of the monitoring conducted.
EVISNet Website
EVISNet continue to publish its website through its url www.evis.net.ph . This website contains basic information
on the services provided by EVISNet. This site also aims to promote Eastern Visayas to the rest of the world and to help researchers, investors, decision-makers, among others .
In 2007, the EVISNet website continue to provide the following information and links:
- International, national and local news
- Sports and weather updates
- Foreign exchange
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Security alert for viruses
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Information on new hardware, software and sharewares
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Links to e-government websites, e-learning, e-travel, magazines, music, law e-libraries, jobs, games, shops, search engines, e-banks and e-cards, SUCs websites
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NEDA Director's corner – views on the economy
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A bulletin board for invitation to bid, EVISNet information on its services and technical assistance
Services as an Internet Service Provider
A. Services
EVISNet continue to provide internet access through the following types of types of services, these are:
a) Internet access through leased line/frame relay
b) Internet access through postpaid subscription plan, and
c) Internet access through prepaid internet cards
Available at:
P100.00 for 14 hours
P50.00 for 6 hours
To continue subsidizing the huge amount needed to maintain the internet access services for EVISNet and to maximize the excess bandwidth especially at night when SUCs and government agencies are not using their connection, EVISNet continue with its prepaid services through the Kidlat Cards.
B. Existing Subscribers and Users
For its internet access leased line/frame relay the clients of EVISNet are the State universities and Colleges (SUCs). During the year, these SUCs are the Leyte State University (LSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), EasternVisayas State University (EVSU) and Eastern Samar State University (ESSU).
The subscribers of postpaid subscription plan are the government agencies (8), government and private employees (4) and non-government organizations (2).
Administrative
- NOC conducted meetings on a need basis. Among the priority agenda items were as follows: a) update on EV Online; b) update on dial-up lines; c) update on prepaid internet card (Kidlat); d) usage monitoring; e) status of billing and collection; and f) financial status of EVISNet.
- EVISNet experienced intermittent connection due to a problem in one of the equipment in the system. The suspected cause is the defective switch hub.
- Every month EVISNet staff continue to conduct field visits to SUCs and KIDLAT dealers in different cities and towns in the province of Leyte. During these visits, KIDLAT cards are being delivered and its sale collected.
- EVISNet purchased KIDLAT cards in the month of May, 2007.
- EVISNet conducted a workshop for the preparation of an EVISNet 3 year work plan. As an output of this workshop EVISNet prepared its Three year Plan for CY 2008-2010, the Work and Financial Plan for CY 2008, Schedule of Activities and Things to do and staff in-charge for 2008.
- EV Online continue with its mandate of developing and hosting the websites of RDC/Seccom members
Financial Status
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The Regional Development Council (RDC) provided funds in the amount of P648,750.00 broken as follows: a) RDC Contributions – P307,000.00; and b) RDC Operating Expenses – P341,750.00. These amounts were used to pay for internet access, electricity, wages for web designer, supplies, web server, PC upgrading and advocacy activities. The expenses that were charged to the RDC contribution were the wages for web designer and purchase of web server.
- As of December 2007, EVISNet has a bank balance of P633, 314.26.
Other Accomplishments
EVISNet Staff went to Maasin, Southern Leyte to conduct briefing on IT, E-governance and ICT in Local Development. The topics presented during the briefing were on E-governance, EV Online Project, Interconnectivity, Sample of Government IT Projects in Region VIII, Web Development and the World Wide Web. The participants were the staff of the Province of Leyte and the staff of the Engineering District of Southern Leyte.
EVISNet also conducted training on website updating to regional line agencies’ web masters whose websites
were developed by EV Online. The following were trained in 2007.
FUTURE PLANS
Issues and Recommendations
