Function of “ce”

'et ce..' is a fixed expression - taking it word by word is not necessarily helpful, but in this case basically - 'and this', 'and that' 

https://www.wordreference.com/fren/et%20ce 

PS : I enjoy coming across ‘real-life’ examples of expressions/language use/grammar encountered on this site, especially those that give rise to questions, when reading external material. From the ‘Est-Républicain’ today, in a story on a forest fire, and uncertainty of the extent affected -

 Et ce même malgré l'utilisation d'un drone, puisque le vent est tourbillonnant.

Great question (and answer). I was wondering this too. Also, Maarten’s WR link reminds me that WordReference is always very strong on listing phrases as well as individual words, which I find very helpful.