DILI, 10 february 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta on tuesday laid the foundation stone for the Nicolau Lobato Memorial Garden in Manlala village, Soibada Administrative Post, Manatuto Municipality, paying tribute to one of Timor-Leste’s founding leaders and his family.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Nobel Peace Laureate described Soibada as a place of deep personal significance, recalling his formative years at the Soibada College Mission.
He acknowledged the role played by the Church, the school, priests and nuns, as well as the local community in shaping his moral and intellectual development.
“Because I come here today and can say that my roots are here, I owe much to Soibada, to the school, to the priests and sisters, to the Church, and to the families; the one that had the greatest impact on life was the Lobato Family. Those who have passed or, as we might say, those who remain—almost all died solely for the struggle for Independence,” the President said in his speech.
Ramos-Horta said the memorial garden would honour not only Nicolau Lobato as a national hero, but also the entire Lobato family and all those who sacrificed their lives for Timor-Leste’s independence.
“I personally want to pay tribute to Nicolau Lobato, but also to the entire Lobato family; Nicolau Lobato’s parents also died, which is why I want to create this garden—it is my small contribution to the Lobato family, to Nicolau Lobato, and to Soibada,” he said.
José Lobato, son of the late Nicolau Lobato, thanked the President and all those involved in organising the ceremony, including the Ministry of Public Works, local authorities, traditional elders (lia-na’in), schools and the Soibada community.
“On behalf of the family, I would like to express our appreciation and thank Your Excellency for your presence at the laying of the first stone of the late hero’s Memorial Garden. Firstly, I must also thank President Ramos-Horta, as it was the President who took the initiative and inspired the family to create a simple garden in memory of our grandparents and also my father, Nicolau Lobato. The President committed to not using state funds, but rather resources from his own pocket; therefore, as a son, I cannot leave the President alone, and we must carry this weight together.”
Construction of the memorial garden is expected to complete in three months, with direct involvement from the Presidency’s Civil Society Services and Social Affairs Unit (SSSAS). The project aims to preserve the historical site and promote awareness among younger generations of Nicolau Lobato’s sacrifice in the struggle for self-determination.
Journalist: Hortencio Sanchez
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
