The Local Government Unit of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur received P1M worth of check through the Department of Science and Technology – Grants In Aid (DOST-GIA) project entitled, “Improving the Quality of Life of the Communist-Influenced Community of Barangay Timolan, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur by Inclusion of Science, Technology and Innovation in Mainstreaming the Community through the Establishment of Grains Mechanical Dryer and Rice Mill”, as represented by the Municipal Mayor PI Eleazar C. Carcallas, Ret. and Municipal Treasurer Nelida L. Dumayas, and Barangay Timolan Captain Nenita V. Robles, in coordination with the Provincial S&T Center of Zamboanga del Sur this June 30, 2020.

           The said project is part of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) national strategy which will be implemented in Barangay Timolan, Tigbao. It is anticipated to improve the productivity and quality of life from communist-influenced community through the provision of one (1) unit of 5-T Mechanical Dryer and one (1) unit of Rice Mill with 10 sacks per hour capacity. Barangay Timolan, Tigbao, ZDS is one of the priority barangays identified by the Provincial Task Force ELCAC that is highly vulnerable to local communist terrorist armed groups. Due to it being a communist-inflicted area with poor road conditions wherefore, the limited entry of goods and technological innovations have attributed to the poor welfare of the residents, thus the initiative of the said project which is to address the lacking supply of post-harvest facilities, creating a beneficial effect on the production of food in the area.

             The DOST-GIA program has been reputed to serve and promote inclusivity to several communities, such as in conflict-afflicted areas, by developing and introducing technological innovations and collaborating with various government institutions in order to achieve a holistic and positive impact to the affected residents.