The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano ASSANAMI Sabino, swore in Joaquim Freitas as the new Coordinator of the Civil Society Support Office (GASC – acronym in Portuguese) on April 2nd, 2024, at the Government Palace in Dili. 
In his speech, the Vice Prime Minister considered civil society an essential partner for Government action, which has played a fundamental role in providing social services to the population.
Given that “the country has adopted a participatory democratic system”, the Vice Prime Minister considered it “crucial that civil society participates and continues to make constructive criticism of the Government’s actions”. 
The appointment of the new GASC Coordinator marks a significant and legally established step, promoting collaboration between the Government and civil society organisations to implement social services in communities in line with Government policies.
Mariano ASSANAMI Sabino urged the new GASC Coordinator to act with integrity, responsibility, and dedication, ensuring the formation of a cohesive team focused on offering the best services for the development of the people and the nation. He urged the new Coordinator to follow in the footsteps of the heroes of the past without prejudice or political influence. 