Dili, 18 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF), through the National Directorate of Agricultural Extension and Training, signed a memorandum of understanding with Community Radio stations in nine (9) municipalities to disseminate general information about the Ministry’s activities.
According to the Secretary of State for Forestry, Fernandino Viera da Costa, the objective of signing this agreement is to provide dissemination and information across the entire territory.
“Signing the agreement together with community radio stations in nine (9) municipalities, IliWain-Manatuto, Maliana-Bobonaro, Tatamailau-Ainaro, D. Boaventura-Manufahi, Cova Taroman-Covalima, Povu Viqueque-Viqueque, Lospalos-Lautem, Lian Matebian-Baucau, and Atoni Lifau-RAEOA, aims to share dissemination and information with communities throughout the territory, especially in the nine (9) municipalities that signed this agreement, for the development of the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry sector across the whole territory. The objective of this agreement is to link the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry with community radio stations in the municipalities to share information related to the development of the agriculture sector, so that our communities can also participate and contribute to the development of the agriculture sector in this nation.” said Secretary of State for Forestry Fernandino Viera da Costa at the MAPPF hall (15/04/2026).
In the same place, the National Director of Agricultural Extension and Training, Januari Marcal, stated that the agreement signed with nine (9) community radio stations will also cover three more municipalities, Ermera, Liquica, and Aileu, in the next three or four months.
“This year, our budget for the National Directorate of Agricultural Extension and Training, especially the Media Department, is allocated to work together with community radio stations, which began as an initiative from 2023-2025. Today we signed this agreement in only nine (9) municipalities, but in three or four months it will also cover the municipalities of Liquica, Ermera, and Aileu. Starting with this memorandum, community radio stations have the obligation and responsibility to disseminate information related to the development of the agriculture sector in the four or five major important sub-sectors within the Ministry.” said National Director of Agricultural Extension and Training Januari Marcal.
In addition, the Manager of Baucau Community Radio, Dulce Santina Belo, felt proud because this program can involve community radio stations to transmit information about the activities the Ministry carries out in each municipality.
“I feel proud because we can involve community radio stations to participate together with MAPPF in each municipality to pass on information to communities in rural areas. We guarantee that with this cooperation, the Municipal Directors of Agriculture must collaborate well with us so that whatever activities they carry out can involve us.” said Baucau Community Radio Manager Dulce Santina Belo.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPPF) signed this agreement with community radio stations to strengthen communication and the dissemination of information to rural communities. Through this partnership, the radio stations will transmit information about agricultural techniques, animal husbandry, fisheries, and forest conservation to increase community knowledge and productivity. This agreement also gives community radio stations the opportunity to actively participate in public development and education in rural areas.
Report By: Trainees Baquita and Novita
Photo By: Trainees Baquita and Novita