Dili, October 1, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Civil Protection (SEPC), accompanied by the President of the Civil Protection Authority (APC) and in partnership with the UNDRR program, opened a workshop in strengthening the capacity of Civil Protection Authority (APC) managers on how to assess and prepare for disaster response in Timor-Leste. The workshop was held at Similie Academy on Tuesday this week.
Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis, stated that on behalf of the IX Constitutional Government, SEPC would like to extend gratitude and appreciation to the UNDRR Program as well as the Embassy of Portugal for their commitment in supporting Civil Protection, particularly to ensure that Timorese society remains safe and resilient in the face of disasters.
“Today we have heard how the UNDRR Program, which began in July, serves as a pathway to strengthen both national and global strategies so that communities can live in safety and resilience against disasters. But how can our citizens be safe if they lack knowledge about the causes and signs of disasters, how to prevent them, and how to respond? For this reason, the national program for disaster mitigation and prevention is extremely important, as it is based on the National Program for Civil Protection,” said Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis.
The Secretary of State further emphasized that leadership capacity is critical in strengthening the knowledge of managers, particularly chiefs, so they can properly manage human resources, financial resources, and facilities in order to prepare effectively to respond to emergencies caused by natural disasters in Timor-Leste.
“National security means that all Timorese citizens must be protected from disaster risks in Timor-Leste. Institutional functioning and development are also crucial. Today’s training on leadership capacity is part of institutional development, to build leaders’ knowledge on how to manage appropriately in order to prepare well for emergency response and recovery for victims of disasters,” added the Secretary of State for Civil Protection.
He affirmed that through this activity, the knowledge of officials will be enhanced so that the objectives and goals set out by the IX Constitutional Government can be achieved, particularly in reducing the damage that has severely affected people’s lives, agriculture, and infrastructure in Timor-Leste.
He further explained that the capacity-building activity for Civil Protection Authority managers also aims to increase knowledge to address problems caused by natural disasters affecting victims. In addition to APC leadership, the workshop also included participation from ministerial officials and relevant partners.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media APC