DILI, 30 April 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, on Wednesday, through the Civil Society Services and Social Affairs Unit of the Presidency, delivered essential goods to underprivileged families in the administrative post of Maubisse, Ainaro Municipality.
A total of 100 beneficiary households received this support directly from the hands of the President of the Republic.
The families who received the goods were selected by local authorities in Maubisse Administrative Post.
The essential goods packages consisted of 25 kg bags of rice (100 bags), 5-liter bottles of cooking oil (25 cases), and children’s clothing, donated by the President’s close friends residing abroad.
Simultaneously, the President also handed over sports equipment to the youth of the Maubisse Administrative Post, with the aim of promoting healthy activities, strengthening unity, and reducing social risks among the youth.
President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed that these types of initiatives are vital to ensuring social inclusion and providing support to vulnerable groups, while simultaneously investing in the future of Timor-Leste’s youth.
The distribution of the goods followed discussions between the President and female vendors and traders in Maubisse.
This initiative was part of the Horta Show program, broadcast by RTTL, EP. The program provides a platform for the local community to share their experiences and challenges regarding the local economy.
In this special edition, President Ramos-Horta listened directly to the life stories and the struggles of these vendors for family economic sustainability, through the testimony of vendor Marta Mendonça do Rego—who has been selling local products since the Portuguese colonial era—and Fátima Mendonça, who also contributes to the economic movement of the Maubisse community.
This dialogue reflects the Presidency’s commitment to strengthening ties with the people and valuing the contribution of local vendors to national development. Most participants in the program were female vendors from farming families who conduct their commercial activities at the Maubisse Villa Market.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
