VENILALE (TOP) - The President of the Republic, J. Ramos-Horta, has launched the construction of a house to be donated to a citizen with a disability, Justino Guterres, and his brother, who live in vulnerable conditions in the Administrative Post of Venilale, Baucau Municipality, Saturday, April 18, 2026.
President Ramos-Horta explained that, although it is often said that social programs are the responsibility of the government, the Presidency of the Republic does not wait; once a real need for humanitarian aid for a vulnerable family is identified, the Presidency provides assistance quickly, as is being done for Justino and his family.
This is a gesture of solidarity from one Timorese to another who is in urgent need of help, as President Ramos-Horta’s mandate seeks to maintain a Presidency that is open to all citizens, providing support based on available resources.
Meanwhile, for the past four years, Justino had consistently sat by the roadside on the Baucau-Viqueque route to ask for help for his livelihood. However, last year, after the Civil Society Services and Social Affairs Unit (SSSAS) team of the Presidency of the Republic, led by Advisor Quintiliano Moníz, identified him and submitted a request to the President, it was finally approved. Today, the launch of the 7x5 meter house took place; it will be fully furnished and is expected to be ready within the next three months. Such activities are not new, as they have been carried out for vulnerable families since 2022.
Following the launch ceremony, President Ramos-Horta—accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, Marcos “MAMETA” da Cruz; the Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, Augusto Júnior; the President of the Baucau Municipal Authority (PAM), Veneranda Lemos; and the Baucau Municipal PNTL Commander—also distributed basic necessities to more than 40 needy families.
