On 23–24 June 2025, a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training was successfully held in Baucau Municipality, bringing together community leaders to strengthen their preparedness and response to natural disasters. The CVTL Disaster Management Department and CVTL Baucau Branch jointly organized the training, in partnership with the APC-Office of the National Directorate of Disaster Risk Management (DNGRD) Baucau and the Municipal Civil Protection Service for Natural Disasters (SMPDN). The event took place in Gariwai Village, Baucau-Villa Post Administrative, Baucau Municipality.
Monica Soares, one of the lead facilitators of the training, emphasized that the activity aimed to build the knowledge and skills of village and sub-village leadership in disaster prevention and response. “Our goal is to strengthen community resilience by equipping local leaders with practical tools and knowledge to effectively manage risks and protect lives during emergencies,” she said.
A total of 25 participants 11 women and 14 men actively engaged in the two-day program. Funded by the Timor-Leste Government trough Civil Society Support Office (GASC), the training marked an important step in promoting inclusive and community-based disaster preparedness in Baucau, ensuring that local leaders are better positioned to safeguard their communities against future natural hazards.
