Gleno, Ermera – 19 March 2026; The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) proudly inaugurated our new Ermera Branch building on 19 March 2026 in Gleno, marking a significant milestone in enhancing humanitarian services for communities across Ermera Municipality.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office, Mr. Joaquim da Costa Freitas, alongside the President of CVTL, Mrs. Madalena F. M. H. Costa Soares, and the Secretary General of CVTL, Mr. Agapito da Silva. The event was also attended by the IFRC Programme Senior Officer in Timor-Leste, Mr. Macario Lopes, along with key government representatives, partners, and community members.
Distinguished attendees included the President of the Ermera Municipal Authority, Mr. José Martinho dos Santos Soares; the President of CCI-TL Ermera Municipality, Mr. Luis Alves Tilman; representatives from the Civil Protection Authority (APC), the PNTL and F-FDTL commanders in Ermera, Municipal Health Services, students from SOLS Ermera, members of the CVTL Municipal Council, and CVTL volunteers from the Ermera Branch.
In his remarks, Mr. Joaquim da Costa Freitas highlighted the importance of CVTL’s ongoing humanitarian work across Timor-Leste, emphasizing that government support through GASC has been crucial in sustaining and improving these services. He encouraged CVTL to take good care of the new facility to ensure its long-term use.
The President of the Ermera Municipal Authority, Mr. José Martinho dos Santos Soares, expressed appreciation for CVTL’s strong presence in the municipality. He acknowledged the organization’s vital role in supporting communities during natural disasters in coordination with the Civil Protection Authority. He also committed to working with CCI-TL and local entrepreneurs to further improve the branch’s warehouse capacity for storing emergency supplies and equipment.
Speaking at the ceremony, CVTL President Mrs. Madalena F. M. H. Costa Soares noted that while CVTL operates across all 13 municipalities, several branches still rely on outdated infrastructure. She highlighted that the previous Ermera building had deteriorated significantly and was at risk of collapse. With support from the Government of Timor-Leste through GASC, the construction of the new building represents a major achievement. She called on all members and volunteers expressed sincere gratitude to GASC and to maintain the facility for future use.
The newly constructed building, funded by the Civil Society Support Office (GASC) with a total budget of USD 61,255.35, was built by Seixas, Unipessoal LDA. The facility measures 12 by 15 meters and includes a hall, four rooms, separate male and female bathrooms, and a kitchen.
The CVTL Ermera Branch extended its heartfelt thanks to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project and continue to support its mission of serving vulnerable communities across Timor-Leste.
