Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government marked World Environment Day on Graciosa Island
Regional Government marked World Environment Day on Graciosa Island
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Applications now open for free and certified short-term training courses under "Digital Youth" programme
Applications now open for free and certified short-term training courses under "Digital Youth" programme
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Press release
Press release
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Press release
Press release
Nota de Imprensa
June 5, 2026 Regional Government marked World Environment Day on Graciosa Island The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, marked today World Environment Day on the island of Graciosa. He emphasised that this occasion aims to “alert and raise awareness amongst the entire community of the importance of preserving our planet and the complex environmental challenges we face, such as climate change, environmental pollution, the destruction of ecosystems and the depletion of natural resources.” The government official emphasised that “ the key theme for World Environment Day in 2026 is climate action, an issue that has been a priority for the Government.” In this regard, he added that “the date was marked on Graciosa, an island classified as a Biosphere Reserve, which has distinguished itself in various environmental fields, particularly in terms of energy transition, decarbonisation and the production of renewable energy.” Alonso Miguel noted that, “in addition to the implementation of a wide range of climate action tools and projects, such as the Regional Climate Change Programme, the LIFE IP Climaz Project and the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores, the Regional Government has placed a strong emphasis on environmental literacy. He pointed out that success in this challenge depends not only on appropriate public policies, but also on the involvement of society as a whole and, above all, on the individual commitment of every citizen.” The Regional Secretary also emphasised that schools are key agents in disseminating information and knowledge, playing an essential role in shaping citizens who are better prepared, more aware and committed to the future of the planet. For this reason, the Regional Secretariat organises the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE) every year, aimed at all regional schools. According to Alonso Miguel, “the OASAE for the 2025/2026 school year comprises a total of 65 activities designed for all levels of education, covering various thematic areas such as climate change, nature conservation, water resources and the circular economy.” “I would like to point out that, since the implementation of this educational programme in 2022, more than 3,500 activities have already been organised, involving around 80,000 young people across all the islands of the archipelago,” he said. As part of the celebrations held in Graciosa, Alonso Miguel revealed that “a rich and diverse programme was prepared in collaboration with the Santa Cruz da Graciosa Basic Education School. It included the hoisting of the Eco-Schools flag and a series of workshops on climate change, recycling, biodiversity, geodiversity, coastal ecosystems, sustainability and Biosphere Reserves.” The Regional Secretary also noted that the event was an opportunity to “launch a collection of educational videos, produced by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, as tools to support environmental awareness and education. They cover various environmental themes and challenges, such as climate change, water management, waste and the circular economy, the Azores’ Nature Parks, and endemic and invasive species.” At the same time, he added, several activities were prepared to be carried out across all the islands of the Azores. They involved the participation of hundreds of children and young people from various schools and educational centres in the Region, with a particular focus on the launch of the game “Trivial – Climate Change in the Azores,” developed as part of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project. The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action also marked the occasion by delivering one hundred game sets to schools across the Region.
June 5, 2026 Regional Government marked World Environment Day on Graciosa Island The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, marked today World Environment Day on the island of Graciosa. He emphasised that this occasion aims to “alert and raise awareness amongst the entire community of the importance of preserving our planet and the complex environmental challenges we face, such as climate change, environmental pollution, the destruction of ecosystems and the depletion of natural resources.” The government official emphasised that “ the key theme for World Environment Day in 2026 is climate action, an issue that has been a priority for the Government.” In this regard, he added that “the date was marked on Graciosa, an island classified as a Biosphere Reserve, which has distinguished itself in various environmental fields, particularly in terms of energy transition, decarbonisation and the production of renewable energy.” Alonso Miguel noted that, “in addition to the implementation of a wide range of climate action tools and projects, such as the Regional Climate Change Programme, the LIFE IP Climaz Project and the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality in the Azores, the Regional Government has placed a strong emphasis on environmental literacy. He pointed out that success in this challenge depends not only on appropriate public policies, but also on the involvement of society as a whole and, above all, on the individual commitment of every citizen.” The Regional Secretary also emphasised that schools are key agents in disseminating information and knowledge, playing an essential role in shaping citizens who are better prepared, more aware and committed to the future of the planet. For this reason, the Regional Secretariat organises the School Environmental Awareness Activities Programme (OASAE) every year, aimed at all regional schools. According to Alonso Miguel, “the OASAE for the 2025/2026 school year comprises a total of 65 activities designed for all levels of education, covering various thematic areas such as climate change, nature conservation, water resources and the circular economy.” “I would like to point out that, since the implementation of this educational programme in 2022, more than 3,500 activities have already been organised, involving around 80,000 young people across all the islands of the archipelago,” he said. As part of the celebrations held in Graciosa, Alonso Miguel revealed that “a rich and diverse programme was prepared in collaboration with the Santa Cruz da Graciosa Basic Education School. It included the hoisting of the Eco-Schools flag and a series of workshops on climate change, recycling, biodiversity, geodiversity, coastal ecosystems, sustainability and Biosphere Reserves.” The Regional Secretary also noted that the event was an opportunity to “launch a collection of educational videos, produced by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, as tools to support environmental awareness and education. They cover various environmental themes and challenges, such as climate change, water management, waste and the circular economy, the Azores’ Nature Parks, and endemic and invasive species.” At the same time, he added, several activities were prepared to be carried out across all the islands of the Azores. They involved the participation of hundreds of children and young people from various schools and educational centres in the Region, with a particular focus on the launch of the game “Trivial – Climate Change in the Azores,” developed as part of the LIFE IP CLIMAZ project. The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action also marked the occasion by delivering one hundred game sets to schools across the Region.
Nota de Imprensa
June 5, 2026 Applications now open for free and certified short-term training courses under "Digital Youth" programme Applications are now open for short-term training courses in digital skills as part of the “Digital Youth” programme, run by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment – Regional Directorate for Youth. Interested young people should submit their applications by November 30 via the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt, up to 30 days before the course starts. The Youth Portal provides information on the available training courses, which have limited vacancies, the organisations involved in promoting and running these courses, as well as the location and scheduled dates. Among the training courses available are “Digital Literacy – Introduction (Level 2),” “Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Level 5),” “Basic Computer Skills (Level 2),” and “Design – Communication and Multimedia (Level 4).” These training courses are free and aimed at young people aged between 12 and 24. Young people up to the age of 30 who are participating in social inclusion projects run by Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) or in social reintegration programmes may also be eligible. The training courses last 25 hours and will be held in a face-to-face format. At the end of the courses, a training certificate will be issued in accordance with the National Qualifications Catalogue of the National Agency for Qualifications and Vocational Education. The “Digital Youth” programme was created by the Regional Government in 2025. The programme comprises two measures: “Measure 1” provides co-financed support for the acquisition of equipment, software and services by regional youth associations; and “Measure 2” provides funding for free and certified training in the digital field, aimed at improving young people’s digital and media literacy and proficiency. “Training young people in digital skills ensures that no one is left behind in an increasingly technological and connected society,” defended Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment also emphasised that “qualifying people for the digital world also means preparing them for cybersecurity, a skill for life and work, as knowledge is the best defence against digital threats.”
June 5, 2026 Applications now open for free and certified short-term training courses under "Digital Youth" programme Applications are now open for short-term training courses in digital skills as part of the “Digital Youth” programme, run by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment – Regional Directorate for Youth. Interested young people should submit their applications by November 30 via the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt, up to 30 days before the course starts. The Youth Portal provides information on the available training courses, which have limited vacancies, the organisations involved in promoting and running these courses, as well as the location and scheduled dates. Among the training courses available are “Digital Literacy – Introduction (Level 2),” “Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Level 5),” “Basic Computer Skills (Level 2),” and “Design – Communication and Multimedia (Level 4).” These training courses are free and aimed at young people aged between 12 and 24. Young people up to the age of 30 who are participating in social inclusion projects run by Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) or in social reintegration programmes may also be eligible. The training courses last 25 hours and will be held in a face-to-face format. At the end of the courses, a training certificate will be issued in accordance with the National Qualifications Catalogue of the National Agency for Qualifications and Vocational Education. The “Digital Youth” programme was created by the Regional Government in 2025. The programme comprises two measures: “Measure 1” provides co-financed support for the acquisition of equipment, software and services by regional youth associations; and “Measure 2” provides funding for free and certified training in the digital field, aimed at improving young people’s digital and media literacy and proficiency. “Training young people in digital skills ensures that no one is left behind in an increasingly technological and connected society,” defended Maria João Carreiro. The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment also emphasised that “qualifying people for the digital world also means preparing them for cybersecurity, a skill for life and work, as knowledge is the best defence against digital threats.”
Nota de Imprensa
June 3, 2026 Press release Following the statement issued today by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH), the Regional Inspectorate of Economic Activities (IRAE) considers it necessary, for the sake of truth and public trust, to provide the following clarifications: 1. IRAE reiterates that its actions are strictly bound by the principles of professionalism, proportionality and good faith, ensuring that all inspection activities are conducted with technical rigour, impartiality and absolute respect for economic operators. Inspection activities are carried out in accordance with the legal framework applicable to economic activities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, namely the Regional Implementing Decree no. 20/2024/A of November 18, which defines the Inspectorate’s powers in matters of economic supervision, food safety and consumer protection. 2. IRAE inspectors carry out their duties with balance, courtesy and strict compliance with legal standards, ensuring that every intervention safeguards public health and food safety, promotes fair competition, respects the dignity of business owners and workers, and minimises disruption to the normal operation of establishments. Therefore, IRAE rejects any accusation of inappropriate or disproportionate behaviour that falls short of the standards of conduct required of its professionals. 3. Regarding the incident reported on the island of São Jorge, it is important to make it absolutely clear that no IRAE inspector was present during the inspection action in question, and the Inspectorate did not order the closure of the establishment concerned. The suspension of operations was not the result of any action taken by IRAE, so it is incorrect to associate this Inspectorate with the events reported. 4. IRAE maintains an institutional dialogue, based on cooperation and transparency, with the Azorean business community, reiterating its full willingness to provide clarification, promote information campaigns and enhance the predictability of inspection procedures. 5. This Inspectorate will continue to carry out its duties with rigour, impartiality and a sense of public service, ensuring consumer protection, economic compliance, food safety and confidence in the markets, whilst rejecting interpretations that do not correspond to the factual reality or the legal framework governing its activities.
June 3, 2026 Press release Following the statement issued today by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH), the Regional Inspectorate of Economic Activities (IRAE) considers it necessary, for the sake of truth and public trust, to provide the following clarifications: 1. IRAE reiterates that its actions are strictly bound by the principles of professionalism, proportionality and good faith, ensuring that all inspection activities are conducted with technical rigour, impartiality and absolute respect for economic operators. Inspection activities are carried out in accordance with the legal framework applicable to economic activities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, namely the Regional Implementing Decree no. 20/2024/A of November 18, which defines the Inspectorate’s powers in matters of economic supervision, food safety and consumer protection. 2. IRAE inspectors carry out their duties with balance, courtesy and strict compliance with legal standards, ensuring that every intervention safeguards public health and food safety, promotes fair competition, respects the dignity of business owners and workers, and minimises disruption to the normal operation of establishments. Therefore, IRAE rejects any accusation of inappropriate or disproportionate behaviour that falls short of the standards of conduct required of its professionals. 3. Regarding the incident reported on the island of São Jorge, it is important to make it absolutely clear that no IRAE inspector was present during the inspection action in question, and the Inspectorate did not order the closure of the establishment concerned. The suspension of operations was not the result of any action taken by IRAE, so it is incorrect to associate this Inspectorate with the events reported. 4. IRAE maintains an institutional dialogue, based on cooperation and transparency, with the Azorean business community, reiterating its full willingness to provide clarification, promote information campaigns and enhance the predictability of inspection procedures. 5. This Inspectorate will continue to carry out its duties with rigour, impartiality and a sense of public service, ensuring consumer protection, economic compliance, food safety and confidence in the markets, whilst rejecting interpretations that do not correspond to the factual reality or the legal framework governing its activities.
Nota de Imprensa
June 3, 2026 Press release In light of the statements made public following the editorial published in the "Diário Insular" newspaper on May 30, and to provide rigorous and transparent evidence of the correct framework for the actions taken by the civil protection entities during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, considers it essential to provide the following factual clarifications: 1. First and foremost, it is important to clarify that, throughout the entire period of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the scientific information provided by CIVISA – Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores, the competent authority in this matter, has never pointed to a scenario of imminent eruption. Specifically, none of the volcanic systems on Terceira Island has reached the V4 alert level (pre-eruption), as demonstrated by the record of alert level changes, which is presented below: Summary of Alert Levels Santa Bárbara Volcano Terceira Western Fissure Volcanic System July 30, 2022 - Raised to V2 June 26, 2024 - Raised to V1 June 26, 2024 - Raised to V3 October 3, 2025 - Raised to V2 December 4, 2024 - Lowered to V2 November 24, 2025 - Raised to V3 November 5, 2025 - Raised to V3 February 4, 2026 - Lowered to V2 February 4, 2026 - Lowered to V2 2. It is important to note that the editorial published by "Diário Insular" on Tuesday, June 2, acknowledges that the experts it consulted did not indicate an imminent eruption, and even admitted the existence of precursor signs that would make it possible to anticipate a potential event and activate measures to protect the population. This context contrasts with the initial editorial published on May 30, which suggested an imminent risk and scenarios with a high probability of loss of life. It stated that “an area (...) remained at risk of being affected by lava flows throughout that time” and that “official bodies with civil protection responsibilities estimated the probability of fatalities in such an event and pointed to alarming figures.” 3. Similarly, it is important to clarify that the Regional Government of the Azores has not produced, nor is it aware of the existence of, any official studies or assessments estimating the occurrence of fatalities in the scenarios considered during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island. No documents were drawn up, within the scope of the activities of the regional authorities responsible for civil protection, that pointed to “alarming figures” for deaths or to projections of that sort. 4. It should also be noted that all geological risk mapping for the Autonomous Region of the Azores is public and freely accessible, and is available for consultation on the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service website at (https://www.prociv.azores.gov.pt/operacoes/documentos/) to any citizen, organisation or media outlet. This information is produced and disseminated with the specific aim of raising awareness of natural hazards and supporting the population's preparedness and safety. 5. Regarding the Raminho road, it is also important to clarify that its closure was a direct consequence of the earthquake that occurred on January 14, 2024, based on objective and duly assessed structural safety reasons. This was a technical decision, justified and absolutely in line with the duty to protect human life. 6. Consequently, measures were adopted from the outset to mitigate the impacts of this decision, notably through the upgrading of an alternative route. More importantly, a procedure was established to ensure that the section remained partially clear, so that it could be quickly reopened to traffic in the event of an emergency and to ensure the evacuation of the population whenever necessary. This was a coordinated process between the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, the Regional Directorate for Public Works, and the Angra do Heroísmo Municipal Council. 7. At the same time, a population evacuation plan, an innovative tool in the regional context, was developed and put into operation. This plan provides for its activation via a text messaging system. In addition, it sets out the responsibilities of all the bodies involved clearly and immediately, ensuring a coordinated, rapid and effective response should the need arise. This work was not merely theoretical: it was tested in the field through multiple drills. 8. In this context, we highlight the TOURO24 drill, held in June 2024, designed to test the response capacity of the Regional Civil Protection System in the face of complex scenarios of a seismic-volcanic event. As part of its preparation, various operational scenarios were developed, including scenarios involving lava flows associated with the fissure zone on Terceira Island, with projections for different areas of the territory and, consequently, the need to activate population evacuation procedures. This work was complemented by specific population evacuation drills, namely BASALTO 24.4, held in October 2024 in the parish of Cinco Ribeiras, and BASALTO 25.3, held in September 2025 in the parish of Biscoitos. 9. It is also important to highlight the ongoing outreach work with the public, involving several meetings and public information sessions, particularly in the parishes located in the vicinity of the Santa Bárbara Volcano, ensuring that citizens have access to clear and appropriate information proportional to the actual risk. Communication has always been guided by criteria of rigour and responsibility, avoiding unjustified alarmism. 10. In this context, the Regional Government categorically rejects any suggestion of withholding information. It is reiterated that all actions taken were based on technical and scientific information validated by the competent authorities. They were conducted with full institutional transparency and a constant concern to keep the public adequately informed about developments of the situation. 11. The Regional Government fully respects freedom of the press and recognises the essential role of public scrutiny in a democratic society. Such scrutiny is, however, particularly relevant when it is based on factual information that is technically sound and properly put into context. 12. The actions of the Regional Government and its departments have, at every stage, been guided by responsibility, technical expertise, rigorous planning and transparency. The management of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island has been conducted based on the best scientific information available at any given time, through ongoing monitoring, planning, operational preparedness and communication with the public. 13. The facts demonstrate that contingency plans, evacuation mechanisms, operational drills, decision-support mapping and regular public awareness campaigns have been developed, always with the primary goal of protecting human lives and safeguarding the safety of the population. These initiatives have, in fact, been widely disseminated throughout the entire process, both by the Regional Government and local authorities, many of them covered and reported on by the media themselves. As such, their existence, content and implementation are a matter of public record, widely known and easily verifiable.
June 3, 2026 Press release In light of the statements made public following the editorial published in the "Diário Insular" newspaper on May 30, and to provide rigorous and transparent evidence of the correct framework for the actions taken by the civil protection entities during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the Regional Government of the Azores, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, considers it essential to provide the following factual clarifications: 1. First and foremost, it is important to clarify that, throughout the entire period of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island, the scientific information provided by CIVISA – Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores, the competent authority in this matter, has never pointed to a scenario of imminent eruption. Specifically, none of the volcanic systems on Terceira Island has reached the V4 alert level (pre-eruption), as demonstrated by the record of alert level changes, which is presented below: Summary of Alert Levels Santa Bárbara Volcano Terceira Western Fissure Volcanic System July 30, 2022 - Raised to V2 June 26, 2024 - Raised to V1 June 26, 2024 - Raised to V3 October 3, 2025 - Raised to V2 December 4, 2024 - Lowered to V2 November 24, 2025 - Raised to V3 November 5, 2025 - Raised to V3 February 4, 2026 - Lowered to V2 February 4, 2026 - Lowered to V2 2. It is important to note that the editorial published by "Diário Insular" on Tuesday, June 2, acknowledges that the experts it consulted did not indicate an imminent eruption, and even admitted the existence of precursor signs that would make it possible to anticipate a potential event and activate measures to protect the population. This context contrasts with the initial editorial published on May 30, which suggested an imminent risk and scenarios with a high probability of loss of life. It stated that “an area (...) remained at risk of being affected by lava flows throughout that time” and that “official bodies with civil protection responsibilities estimated the probability of fatalities in such an event and pointed to alarming figures.” 3. Similarly, it is important to clarify that the Regional Government of the Azores has not produced, nor is it aware of the existence of, any official studies or assessments estimating the occurrence of fatalities in the scenarios considered during the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island. No documents were drawn up, within the scope of the activities of the regional authorities responsible for civil protection, that pointed to “alarming figures” for deaths or to projections of that sort. 4. It should also be noted that all geological risk mapping for the Autonomous Region of the Azores is public and freely accessible, and is available for consultation on the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service website at (https://www.prociv.azores.gov.pt/operacoes/documentos/) to any citizen, organisation or media outlet. This information is produced and disseminated with the specific aim of raising awareness of natural hazards and supporting the population's preparedness and safety. 5. Regarding the Raminho road, it is also important to clarify that its closure was a direct consequence of the earthquake that occurred on January 14, 2024, based on objective and duly assessed structural safety reasons. This was a technical decision, justified and absolutely in line with the duty to protect human life. 6. Consequently, measures were adopted from the outset to mitigate the impacts of this decision, notably through the upgrading of an alternative route. More importantly, a procedure was established to ensure that the section remained partially clear, so that it could be quickly reopened to traffic in the event of an emergency and to ensure the evacuation of the population whenever necessary. This was a coordinated process between the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, the Regional Directorate for Public Works, and the Angra do Heroísmo Municipal Council. 7. At the same time, a population evacuation plan, an innovative tool in the regional context, was developed and put into operation. This plan provides for its activation via a text messaging system. In addition, it sets out the responsibilities of all the bodies involved clearly and immediately, ensuring a coordinated, rapid and effective response should the need arise. This work was not merely theoretical: it was tested in the field through multiple drills. 8. In this context, we highlight the TOURO24 drill, held in June 2024, designed to test the response capacity of the Regional Civil Protection System in the face of complex scenarios of a seismic-volcanic event. As part of its preparation, various operational scenarios were developed, including scenarios involving lava flows associated with the fissure zone on Terceira Island, with projections for different areas of the territory and, consequently, the need to activate population evacuation procedures. This work was complemented by specific population evacuation drills, namely BASALTO 24.4, held in October 2024 in the parish of Cinco Ribeiras, and BASALTO 25.3, held in September 2025 in the parish of Biscoitos. 9. It is also important to highlight the ongoing outreach work with the public, involving several meetings and public information sessions, particularly in the parishes located in the vicinity of the Santa Bárbara Volcano, ensuring that citizens have access to clear and appropriate information proportional to the actual risk. Communication has always been guided by criteria of rigour and responsibility, avoiding unjustified alarmism. 10. In this context, the Regional Government categorically rejects any suggestion of withholding information. It is reiterated that all actions taken were based on technical and scientific information validated by the competent authorities. They were conducted with full institutional transparency and a constant concern to keep the public adequately informed about developments of the situation. 11. The Regional Government fully respects freedom of the press and recognises the essential role of public scrutiny in a democratic society. Such scrutiny is, however, particularly relevant when it is based on factual information that is technically sound and properly put into context. 12. The actions of the Regional Government and its departments have, at every stage, been guided by responsibility, technical expertise, rigorous planning and transparency. The management of the seismic-volcanic crisis on Terceira Island has been conducted based on the best scientific information available at any given time, through ongoing monitoring, planning, operational preparedness and communication with the public. 13. The facts demonstrate that contingency plans, evacuation mechanisms, operational drills, decision-support mapping and regular public awareness campaigns have been developed, always with the primary goal of protecting human lives and safeguarding the safety of the population. These initiatives have, in fact, been widely disseminated throughout the entire process, both by the Regional Government and local authorities, many of them covered and reported on by the media themselves. As such, their existence, content and implementation are a matter of public record, widely known and easily verifiable.
Nota de Imprensa
June 3, 2026 Regional Government invests €8.1 million in expansion and refurbishment of Antero de Quental Secondary School The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has just authorised the launch of an international public tender for the expansion and refurbishment of the Antero de Quental Secondary School in Ponta Delgada, under a design-build contract, corresponding to an overall investment of €8.1 million. The procedure will be conducted by the Regional Directorate for Public Works. It represents a strategic intervention towards the structural and functional modernisation of one of the Region’s most important educational establishments. With a base price of €7 million, plus VAT (€8.1 million), this project will involve the expansion and refurbishment of the school, delivering clear improvements in teaching conditions, the organisation of spaces and the overall efficiency of the infrastructure, bringing it into line with the requirements of the contemporary educational model. The project is primarily intended to boost the school’s capacity with the new building and classrooms, which will address the current shortage of teaching spaces. This will remove teaching activities from the historic Fonte Bela Palace, a listed building that has suffered significant wear and tear due to intensive use by the school community. Subsequently, in a second phase, an intervention is planned for this historic building. With the construction of new facilities, the pressure on this heritage building will be significantly reduced, allowing it to be enhanced and put to uses more in keeping with its historical and architectural value. The project also includes new educational spaces tailored to current needs and the construction of an indoor sports hall, thus improving facilities for sporting activities and the full development of students. As part of the refurbishment, there are also plans to reorganise and modernise the cafeteria areas, which will be located in a single space in the south-east courtyard, improving capacity, functionality and comfort for the school community. The project will be carried out under a design-build contract, a model that combines the design and construction phases, ensuring faster completion, better cost control and a more efficient response to technical requirements, whilst guaranteeing quality and precision in implementation. It should be noted that the initial phase focuses primarily on expanding the school's capacity, specifically through the construction of new classrooms, increasing teaching capacity (to address the shortage of classrooms), creating new support facilities, including a canteen and a snack bar, and redesigning the south/east courtyard area. This is a strategic phase, as the transfer of students to new premises will create the conditions for subsequent work on the old building. In a later phase, the works will proceed with a major refurbishment of the old structure (the palace), the renovation of the most deteriorated areas, and the potential restoration of heritage features and modernisation of spaces. With this investment, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to upgrading public schools, improving learning conditions and safeguarding heritage, with a view to promoting a more modern, functional and future-oriented educational infrastructure.
June 3, 2026 Regional Government invests €8.1 million in expansion and refurbishment of Antero de Quental Secondary School The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, has just authorised the launch of an international public tender for the expansion and refurbishment of the Antero de Quental Secondary School in Ponta Delgada, under a design-build contract, corresponding to an overall investment of €8.1 million. The procedure will be conducted by the Regional Directorate for Public Works. It represents a strategic intervention towards the structural and functional modernisation of one of the Region’s most important educational establishments. With a base price of €7 million, plus VAT (€8.1 million), this project will involve the expansion and refurbishment of the school, delivering clear improvements in teaching conditions, the organisation of spaces and the overall efficiency of the infrastructure, bringing it into line with the requirements of the contemporary educational model. The project is primarily intended to boost the school’s capacity with the new building and classrooms, which will address the current shortage of teaching spaces. This will remove teaching activities from the historic Fonte Bela Palace, a listed building that has suffered significant wear and tear due to intensive use by the school community. Subsequently, in a second phase, an intervention is planned for this historic building. With the construction of new facilities, the pressure on this heritage building will be significantly reduced, allowing it to be enhanced and put to uses more in keeping with its historical and architectural value. The project also includes new educational spaces tailored to current needs and the construction of an indoor sports hall, thus improving facilities for sporting activities and the full development of students. As part of the refurbishment, there are also plans to reorganise and modernise the cafeteria areas, which will be located in a single space in the south-east courtyard, improving capacity, functionality and comfort for the school community. The project will be carried out under a design-build contract, a model that combines the design and construction phases, ensuring faster completion, better cost control and a more efficient response to technical requirements, whilst guaranteeing quality and precision in implementation. It should be noted that the initial phase focuses primarily on expanding the school's capacity, specifically through the construction of new classrooms, increasing teaching capacity (to address the shortage of classrooms), creating new support facilities, including a canteen and a snack bar, and redesigning the south/east courtyard area. This is a strategic phase, as the transfer of students to new premises will create the conditions for subsequent work on the old building. In a later phase, the works will proceed with a major refurbishment of the old structure (the palace), the renovation of the most deteriorated areas, and the potential restoration of heritage features and modernisation of spaces. With this investment, the Government of the Azores reiterates its commitment to upgrading public schools, improving learning conditions and safeguarding heritage, with a view to promoting a more modern, functional and future-oriented educational infrastructure.
