Panama president Juan Carlos Valera aims to take the program of surprise visits to  his country to help improve the living conditions of the poorest, given their success in the Dominican Republic.

President Danilo Medina made the announcement Thursday, during a surprise visit where he introduced Varela to more than a 100 farmers in the impoverished area of the south region.

“I want to strong applause for the president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, who also wants to implement this program for the poorest of the Panamanian people,” Medina said.

The farmers gave Varela a standing ovation, who smiled throughout, despite the grueling schedule since his arrival for an official visit in Dominican territory Wednesday.