Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Regional Slaughter Network renews Animal Welfare Certification, announces António Ventura
Regional Slaughter Network renews Animal Welfare Certification, announces António Ventura
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
REDES programme with youth volunteer projects in the Region
REDES programme with youth volunteer projects in the Region
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Regional Government promotes 7th Regional Meeting of Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth
Regional Government promotes 7th Regional Meeting of Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
Nota de Imprensa
December 10, 2025 Regional Slaughter Network renews Animal Welfare Certification, announces António Ventura The Azores Regional Slaughter Network has renewed its Animal Welfare Certification (AWC), awarded by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), based on European Welfare Quality standards, announced the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura. The audit conducted by AENOR confirmed that the slaughterhouses on the islands of Terceira, São Miguel, Graciosa and Flores comply with the requirements, ensuring practices that reduce stress and suffering for animals during reception, handling, stunning and slaughter. The Santa Maria Slaughterhouse has not yet collected the minimum sample of animals required for the audit; however, the certificate has been extended until February 2026. António Ventura emphasises the importance of this certification for the regional agrifood sector: "The renewal of the Animal Welfare certification is a milestone that demonstrates the Azores' commitment to responsible and sustainable practices," he stressed. For the government official, "this international recognition enhances the value of Azorean meat and strengthens consumer confidence." He continued: "At the same time, it ensures that our slaughterhouses follow strict animal welfare standards. It is an essential step towards consolidating the Azores' image as a benchmark for quality food production." In this context, the renewal of Animal Welfare certification in Azorean slaughterhouses is of strategic importance, not only ensuring compliance with European standards but also strengthening market confidence and adding value to meat produced in the Region. This step brings the Azores into line with international trends in terms of responsible and sustainable consumption, where respect for animals is regarded as an integral part of food quality.
December 10, 2025 Regional Slaughter Network renews Animal Welfare Certification, announces António Ventura The Azores Regional Slaughter Network has renewed its Animal Welfare Certification (AWC), awarded by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), based on European Welfare Quality standards, announced the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura. The audit conducted by AENOR confirmed that the slaughterhouses on the islands of Terceira, São Miguel, Graciosa and Flores comply with the requirements, ensuring practices that reduce stress and suffering for animals during reception, handling, stunning and slaughter. The Santa Maria Slaughterhouse has not yet collected the minimum sample of animals required for the audit; however, the certificate has been extended until February 2026. António Ventura emphasises the importance of this certification for the regional agrifood sector: "The renewal of the Animal Welfare certification is a milestone that demonstrates the Azores' commitment to responsible and sustainable practices," he stressed. For the government official, "this international recognition enhances the value of Azorean meat and strengthens consumer confidence." He continued: "At the same time, it ensures that our slaughterhouses follow strict animal welfare standards. It is an essential step towards consolidating the Azores' image as a benchmark for quality food production." In this context, the renewal of Animal Welfare certification in Azorean slaughterhouses is of strategic importance, not only ensuring compliance with European standards but also strengthening market confidence and adding value to meat produced in the Region. This step brings the Azores into line with international trends in terms of responsible and sustainable consumption, where respect for animals is regarded as an integral part of food quality.
Nota de Imprensa
December 10, 2025 REDES programme with youth volunteer projects in the Region More than 90 young people living in the Azores have already applied for the REDES programme – Regional Youth Volunteering Network, with 44 young people already placed. Applications for this programme, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment and run by the Regional Directorate for Youth, are open to young people and organisations at juventude.azores.gov.pt. All young people already placed in REDES opted for regular volunteer projects lasting three to nine months in institutions or associations active in the areas of culture, social inclusion, sport, the environment, health and prevention of risk behaviour, social support for children, young people, seniors and people with disabilities, animal welfare, among other areas of action. Young people involved in regular volunteer projects are awarded a monthly grant of up to €180, totalling €1,620, if they complete nine months of volunteering. REDES also includes a category for short-term volunteer projects. In this category, which includes volunteering projects for renovating a house or collecting animals, projects last between one and five days, for a total of 25 hours. Young people are eligible for a grant ranging from €21 to €75. The organisations with approved projects, details of the projects and the number of vacancies available are listed and can be found at https://juventude.azores.gov.pt/programa/redes/, where young people interested in volunteering can submit their applications. Currently, 21 applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on regular volunteering projects in São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, Graciosa and São Jorge. In turn, nine applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on short-term projects in São Miguel, Pico and Terceira. REDES is aimed at young people residing in the Azores, aged between 15 and 28 at the time of application. It seeks to promote opportunities for the development of personal and technical skills, as well as for the exercise of active and supportive citizenship in activities contributing to their communities. Youth associations and youth-oriented associations, student associations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations, public entities, Private Social Solidarity Institutions, sports clubs, or other non-governmental and civil society organisations with projects aligned with the programme's areas may apply for volunteer projects. REDES - Regional Youth Volunteering Network was announced in June this year by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, in Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. As Maria João Carreiro explained at the time, the Azorean Government wants, with this new programme, "to highlight the importance of volunteering for personal and social development of young people." In this regard, she called for the participation of entities willing to create volunteering projects that with the potential to add value to institutions and young people."
December 10, 2025 REDES programme with youth volunteer projects in the Region More than 90 young people living in the Azores have already applied for the REDES programme – Regional Youth Volunteering Network, with 44 young people already placed. Applications for this programme, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment and run by the Regional Directorate for Youth, are open to young people and organisations at juventude.azores.gov.pt. All young people already placed in REDES opted for regular volunteer projects lasting three to nine months in institutions or associations active in the areas of culture, social inclusion, sport, the environment, health and prevention of risk behaviour, social support for children, young people, seniors and people with disabilities, animal welfare, among other areas of action. Young people involved in regular volunteer projects are awarded a monthly grant of up to €180, totalling €1,620, if they complete nine months of volunteering. REDES also includes a category for short-term volunteer projects. In this category, which includes volunteering projects for renovating a house or collecting animals, projects last between one and five days, for a total of 25 hours. Young people are eligible for a grant ranging from €21 to €75. The organisations with approved projects, details of the projects and the number of vacancies available are listed and can be found at https://juventude.azores.gov.pt/programa/redes/, where young people interested in volunteering can submit their applications. Currently, 21 applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on regular volunteering projects in São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, Graciosa and São Jorge. In turn, nine applications from organisations have been approved for 31 vacancies on short-term projects in São Miguel, Pico and Terceira. REDES is aimed at young people residing in the Azores, aged between 15 and 28 at the time of application. It seeks to promote opportunities for the development of personal and technical skills, as well as for the exercise of active and supportive citizenship in activities contributing to their communities. Youth associations and youth-oriented associations, student associations registered in the Azorean Register of Youth Associations, public entities, Private Social Solidarity Institutions, sports clubs, or other non-governmental and civil society organisations with projects aligned with the programme's areas may apply for volunteer projects. REDES - Regional Youth Volunteering Network was announced in June this year by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, in Lajes do Pico, on the island of Pico. As Maria João Carreiro explained at the time, the Azorean Government wants, with this new programme, "to highlight the importance of volunteering for personal and social development of young people." In this regard, she called for the participation of entities willing to create volunteering projects that with the potential to add value to institutions and young people."
Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025 Regional Government promotes 7th Regional Meeting of Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), is promoting the 7th Regional Meeting of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ) on December 11 and 12, at the Domingos Rebelo Secondary School Auditorium, in Ponta Delgada. This year's edition will focus on the theme "Enhancing the CPCJ to ensure better protection for children." The opening session, scheduled for December 11 at 2:30 p.m., will feature a message from Emanuel Areias, President of CAI. It will be attended by the Ponta Delgada City Council and Marta Gonçalves, Head of the ISSA Social Response Support Section, on behalf of the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. This will be followed by a lecture from Ana Mesquita, researcher at the University of Minho and ProChild CoLAB, on the theme "Childhood, adversity and development: From science to public and collective action." There will also be a panel discussion on best practices in safeguarding children's rights in the Azores, with representatives from the National Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Children and Young People's Rights(CNPDPCJ), Olhar Poente Association, Colégio São Francisco Xavier School, Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School, and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School. On December 12, at 9:30 a.m., Carmen Ventura, Coordinator of the CAI Technical Operations Team, will present “A Portrait of the CPCJ in the Azores.” At 10:30 a.m., Paulo Macedo, legal expert at the CNPDPCJ, will address the "Virtues and Challenges of the CPCJ," followed by a debate moderated by Conceição Lopes, Adviser to the Commission and representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office. In the afternoon, Nuno Pavão Nunes, psychologist at UpMind Academy, will present a session dedicated to the well-being and prevention of burnout among CPCJ professionals. The meeting's conclusions will be presented by Cláudia Rodrigues, President of the Ponta Delgada CPCJ. The session will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi and is scheduled to end at 4:45 p.m. As in previous editions, the Regional Meeting of CPCJs is a privileged moment for training, reflection and sharing among professionals, reinforcing inter-institutional coordination and the quality of responses in the field of prevention and intervention with children and young people at risk. This seventh edition highlights the priority given by the Regional Government to enhancing the CPCJs and promoting sustainable policies that guarantee the full protection of the rights of children and young people in the archipelago.
December 9, 2025 Regional Government promotes 7th Regional Meeting of Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), is promoting the 7th Regional Meeting of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Youth (CPCJ) on December 11 and 12, at the Domingos Rebelo Secondary School Auditorium, in Ponta Delgada. This year's edition will focus on the theme "Enhancing the CPCJ to ensure better protection for children." The opening session, scheduled for December 11 at 2:30 p.m., will feature a message from Emanuel Areias, President of CAI. It will be attended by the Ponta Delgada City Council and Marta Gonçalves, Head of the ISSA Social Response Support Section, on behalf of the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. This will be followed by a lecture from Ana Mesquita, researcher at the University of Minho and ProChild CoLAB, on the theme "Childhood, adversity and development: From science to public and collective action." There will also be a panel discussion on best practices in safeguarding children's rights in the Azores, with representatives from the National Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Children and Young People's Rights(CNPDPCJ), Olhar Poente Association, Colégio São Francisco Xavier School, Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School, and Manuel de Arriaga Secondary School. On December 12, at 9:30 a.m., Carmen Ventura, Coordinator of the CAI Technical Operations Team, will present “A Portrait of the CPCJ in the Azores.” At 10:30 a.m., Paulo Macedo, legal expert at the CNPDPCJ, will address the "Virtues and Challenges of the CPCJ," followed by a debate moderated by Conceição Lopes, Adviser to the Commission and representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office. In the afternoon, Nuno Pavão Nunes, psychologist at UpMind Academy, will present a session dedicated to the well-being and prevention of burnout among CPCJ professionals. The meeting's conclusions will be presented by Cláudia Rodrigues, President of the Ponta Delgada CPCJ. The session will be attended by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi and is scheduled to end at 4:45 p.m. As in previous editions, the Regional Meeting of CPCJs is a privileged moment for training, reflection and sharing among professionals, reinforcing inter-institutional coordination and the quality of responses in the field of prevention and intervention with children and young people at risk. This seventh edition highlights the priority given by the Regional Government to enhancing the CPCJs and promoting sustainable policies that guarantee the full protection of the rights of children and young people in the archipelago.
Nota de Imprensa
December 9, 2025 Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."
December 9, 2025 Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."
Nota de Imprensa
December 6, 2025 Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal The Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres received the artisanal Geographical Indication (GI) seal, valid throughout Europe, following a process promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA). The certification of this craft production was awarded by A.Certifica and acknowledged by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, explained Maria João Carreiro at the certification ceremony held this Friday in the Lower Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. “We moved forward with this certification in the belief that it offers the possibility of protecting and recognising a know-how that embodies the cultural, historical and social wealth of a people and a territory,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. The "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" (representations) are the second Azorean craft product from the "Azorean Handicraft" collective brand with national and European Geographical Indication certification, after the "Violas da Terra dos Açores" (traditional Azorean guitar), in 2024. "The GI is a seal of quality and origin that certifies the unique link between craft production and the territory where it is produced, in this case the island of São Miguel, with all that this entails in terms of protecting and promoting technique, authenticity, quality and heritage identity within Europe," she said. The GI certificates were awarded to artisans Maria Luísa Benevides, Fátima Rodrigues, Maria da Graça Bastos, Clementina Vieira Botelho, Lurdes Pereira, Gabriela Correia, Maria da Paixão Resendes, Maria da Saudade Riley, Manuela Linhares, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Cooperative, from Vila Franca do Campo, to whom the government official thanked for their "work in safeguarding centuries-old craft production." The Regional Secretary expressed her hope that these artisans "may make the most of this certification, which brings pride and renews their commitment to quality and respect for the unique characteristics" of a craft creation where art merges with faith and takes on both a sacred and decorative significance. GI certification is an opportunity for artisans and consumers in terms of raising awareness of authentic products, protecting production methods and techniques rooted in cultural and social heritage, strengthening the competitiveness of craft businesses, and providing legal protection within the European Union. "Bringing crafts closer to new market segments or stimulating dialogue between craft production and other sectors of activity, such as tourism, is now gaining new momentum with the access of Azorean Handicrafts to GI certification," she said. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro assured that the Regional Government will continue to work to "put craftsmanship where it should be: with the people, in dialogue with innovation and with the territory." The craft sector in the Azores, she continued, "is experiencing one of its best phases." In this regard, she highlighted the number of new artisans and craft production units under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand, the expansion of the network of local fairs ("Azores Crafts Fair"), and the adaptation of SIDART to investment in innovation and promotion. The Regional Secretary also announced the opening of the Azores Craft Lab - Innovation, Arts and Crafts in 2026, a new public facility that will operate at the Azores Training Centre in Ponta Delgada, with a view to promoting and facilitating training, experimentation and innovation activities for the local public and visitors. Also participating in this GI certification ceremony for the "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" was the Director of External Relations and Legal Affairs of the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, João Amaral, who presented the new European GI regulation, and the Executive Director of A. Certifica, who identified the place of the Azores in the national mapping of craft products with GI potential. The session ended with a performance by the Johann Sebastian Bach Group, featuring J. Van Berchem's "O Jesu Christe" (16th century) and the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Hymn.
December 6, 2025 Azorean Government certifies "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" with craft Geographical Indication seal The Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres received the artisanal Geographical Indication (GI) seal, valid throughout Europe, following a process promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA). The certification of this craft production was awarded by A.Certifica and acknowledged by the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, explained Maria João Carreiro at the certification ceremony held this Friday in the Lower Choir of the Conceição Palace in Ponta Delgada. “We moved forward with this certification in the belief that it offers the possibility of protecting and recognising a know-how that embodies the cultural, historical and social wealth of a people and a territory,” stated the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment. The "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" (representations) are the second Azorean craft product from the "Azorean Handicraft" collective brand with national and European Geographical Indication certification, after the "Violas da Terra dos Açores" (traditional Azorean guitar), in 2024. "The GI is a seal of quality and origin that certifies the unique link between craft production and the territory where it is produced, in this case the island of São Miguel, with all that this entails in terms of protecting and promoting technique, authenticity, quality and heritage identity within Europe," she said. The GI certificates were awarded to artisans Maria Luísa Benevides, Fátima Rodrigues, Maria da Graça Bastos, Clementina Vieira Botelho, Lurdes Pereira, Gabriela Correia, Maria da Paixão Resendes, Maria da Saudade Riley, Manuela Linhares, and the Nossa Senhora da Paz Cooperative, from Vila Franca do Campo, to whom the government official thanked for their "work in safeguarding centuries-old craft production." The Regional Secretary expressed her hope that these artisans "may make the most of this certification, which brings pride and renews their commitment to quality and respect for the unique characteristics" of a craft creation where art merges with faith and takes on both a sacred and decorative significance. GI certification is an opportunity for artisans and consumers in terms of raising awareness of authentic products, protecting production methods and techniques rooted in cultural and social heritage, strengthening the competitiveness of craft businesses, and providing legal protection within the European Union. "Bringing crafts closer to new market segments or stimulating dialogue between craft production and other sectors of activity, such as tourism, is now gaining new momentum with the access of Azorean Handicrafts to GI certification," she said. In her speech, Maria João Carreiro assured that the Regional Government will continue to work to "put craftsmanship where it should be: with the people, in dialogue with innovation and with the territory." The craft sector in the Azores, she continued, "is experiencing one of its best phases." In this regard, she highlighted the number of new artisans and craft production units under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand, the expansion of the network of local fairs ("Azores Crafts Fair"), and the adaptation of SIDART to investment in innovation and promotion. The Regional Secretary also announced the opening of the Azores Craft Lab - Innovation, Arts and Crafts in 2026, a new public facility that will operate at the Azores Training Centre in Ponta Delgada, with a view to promoting and facilitating training, experimentation and innovation activities for the local public and visitors. Also participating in this GI certification ceremony for the "Registos do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" was the Director of External Relations and Legal Affairs of the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, João Amaral, who presented the new European GI regulation, and the Executive Director of A. Certifica, who identified the place of the Azores in the national mapping of craft products with GI potential. The session ended with a performance by the Johann Sebastian Bach Group, featuring J. Van Berchem's "O Jesu Christe" (16th century) and the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Hymn.
