Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government ends decades of substandard housing in Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood
Regional Government ends decades of substandard housing in Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Recreational Government invests in developing Recreational Forest Reserves
Recreational Government invests in developing Recreational Forest Reserves
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Azorean Government bolsters social services in Terceira with €10.35 million investment
Azorean Government bolsters social services in Terceira with €10.35 million investment
Secretaria Regional da Educação, Cultura e Desporto
Regional Secretary for Education invites political parties to meeting on digitisation of school textbooks
Regional Secretary for Education invites political parties to meeting on digitisation of school textbooks
Nota de Imprensa
November 11, 2026 Regional Government ends decades of substandard housing in Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood The Government of the Azores has completed the rehousing operation for families who were still living in prefabricated metal homes in the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, with the construction of 39 new houses, representing an investment of €7.7 million, plus VAT, through the PRR. At the ceremony marking the handover of the new houses to the families, the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment emphasised that these houses – 11 two-bedroom apartments, 20 three-bedroom apartments and eight four-bedroom apartments – mark the end of the use of the old prefabricated structures, which were in a poor state of repair. On this occasion, Maria João Carreiro emphasised that demolition work on the old prefabricated metal houses is already underway, which will pave the way for the urban redevelopment of the neighbourhood, including the upgrading of the road network, the creation of pavements and car parks, and the enhancement of green spaces for public use. With the completion of the demolition work, the redevelopment project for the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood – divided into three phases – will be finalised. This project represents a total investment of around €20 million and comprises 175 houses, ranging from two-bedroom to four-bedroom properties, intended primarily for the rehousing of families. The Regional Secretary recalled that, when the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government took office in 2020, the second phase of this operation was already underway, and a commitment had been made to continue the project, launch the third phase and complete the redevelopment of the neighbourhood. “We committed to continue this project to restore dignity to and upgrade a historic neighbourhood in Praia da Vitória, and to provide better living conditions for families who have lived for many years in substandard and, in many cases, overcrowded housing. It is this commitment that we are now fulfilling,” she said. The government official also emphasised that this initiative reflects one of the priorities of regional housing policy, which involves not only increasing the housing supply but also renovating and upgrading the public housing stock. In this context, Maria João Carreiro highlighted the investment of €25 million made on the island of Terceira under the Recovery and Resilience Programme (RRP), which has led to the creation of 268 housing units through new construction and the refurbishment of existing properties. Among the projects carried out, the Regional Secretary responsible for Housing in the Azores highlighted the refurbishment of 73 houses in the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood, with significant improvements in living conditions, comfort and energy efficiency, as well as the construction of 63 new houses in that housing development. In Praia da Vitória, she also highlighted the investment of €11 million in the construction of 92 houses in the Nascer do Sol neighbourhood, which are due to be handed over to families in November. Also in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, 13 new houses were built in the São Brás housing development. They were allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme, giving families access to housing with the possibility of buying it at a later date. The Regional Secretary also announced that the Government of the Azores will proceed with the launch of a new public tender for the construction of 48 houses in the Terra Chã neighbourhood in Angra do Heroísmo, following the completion of the review of the relevant project. The works contract had been the subject of a tender process in 2025, which ended without any proposals. As such, the Government decided to launch a new tender, given the importance of this investment for boosting the supply of social housing in that municipality. “After decades of disinvestment in housing, we are making investments that will increase supply, refurbish the existing housing stock and meet the needs of families,” Maria João Carreiro stated, noting that the Government has already invested over €138 million in housing since 2021. The Regional Secretary also assured that public investment in housing will continue in 2027, emphasising that the completion of the RRP does not mark the end of the Azorean Government’s commitment to housing solutions, given that the current pressure on the housing market highlights the need to continue increasing the housing supply, thereby addressing the deficit that has built up over several years in the Region. With this in mind, the new cycle of investment in housing combines the promotion of social housing with measures to stimulate private construction, notably through self-build schemes and housing cooperatives, thus diversifying the solutions to reach more families.
November 11, 2026 Regional Government ends decades of substandard housing in Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood The Government of the Azores has completed the rehousing operation for families who were still living in prefabricated metal homes in the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, with the construction of 39 new houses, representing an investment of €7.7 million, plus VAT, through the PRR. At the ceremony marking the handover of the new houses to the families, the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment emphasised that these houses – 11 two-bedroom apartments, 20 three-bedroom apartments and eight four-bedroom apartments – mark the end of the use of the old prefabricated structures, which were in a poor state of repair. On this occasion, Maria João Carreiro emphasised that demolition work on the old prefabricated metal houses is already underway, which will pave the way for the urban redevelopment of the neighbourhood, including the upgrading of the road network, the creation of pavements and car parks, and the enhancement of green spaces for public use. With the completion of the demolition work, the redevelopment project for the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood – divided into three phases – will be finalised. This project represents a total investment of around €20 million and comprises 175 houses, ranging from two-bedroom to four-bedroom properties, intended primarily for the rehousing of families. The Regional Secretary recalled that, when the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government took office in 2020, the second phase of this operation was already underway, and a commitment had been made to continue the project, launch the third phase and complete the redevelopment of the neighbourhood. “We committed to continue this project to restore dignity to and upgrade a historic neighbourhood in Praia da Vitória, and to provide better living conditions for families who have lived for many years in substandard and, in many cases, overcrowded housing. It is this commitment that we are now fulfilling,” she said. The government official also emphasised that this initiative reflects one of the priorities of regional housing policy, which involves not only increasing the housing supply but also renovating and upgrading the public housing stock. In this context, Maria João Carreiro highlighted the investment of €25 million made on the island of Terceira under the Recovery and Resilience Programme (RRP), which has led to the creation of 268 housing units through new construction and the refurbishment of existing properties. Among the projects carried out, the Regional Secretary responsible for Housing in the Azores highlighted the refurbishment of 73 houses in the Nossa Senhora de Fátima neighbourhood, with significant improvements in living conditions, comfort and energy efficiency, as well as the construction of 63 new houses in that housing development. In Praia da Vitória, she also highlighted the investment of €11 million in the construction of 92 houses in the Nascer do Sol neighbourhood, which are due to be handed over to families in November. Also in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, 13 new houses were built in the São Brás housing development. They were allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme, giving families access to housing with the possibility of buying it at a later date. The Regional Secretary also announced that the Government of the Azores will proceed with the launch of a new public tender for the construction of 48 houses in the Terra Chã neighbourhood in Angra do Heroísmo, following the completion of the review of the relevant project. The works contract had been the subject of a tender process in 2025, which ended without any proposals. As such, the Government decided to launch a new tender, given the importance of this investment for boosting the supply of social housing in that municipality. “After decades of disinvestment in housing, we are making investments that will increase supply, refurbish the existing housing stock and meet the needs of families,” Maria João Carreiro stated, noting that the Government has already invested over €138 million in housing since 2021. The Regional Secretary also assured that public investment in housing will continue in 2027, emphasising that the completion of the RRP does not mark the end of the Azorean Government’s commitment to housing solutions, given that the current pressure on the housing market highlights the need to continue increasing the housing supply, thereby addressing the deficit that has built up over several years in the Region. With this in mind, the new cycle of investment in housing combines the promotion of social housing with measures to stimulate private construction, notably through self-build schemes and housing cooperatives, thus diversifying the solutions to reach more families.
Nota de Imprensa
November 11, 2026 Recreational Government invests in developing Recreational Forest Reserves The Government of the Azores is stepping up efforts to develop recreational forest reserves through initiatives aimed at improving access, leisure areas, information provision, safety and visitor facilities in these public spaces. The VALORFLORAZOR project, approved under the AÇORES 2030 programme, represents an investment of over one million euros and envisages initiatives across several islands. “We want to preserve endemic species, raise awareness of the richness of our botanical heritage and promote environmental education, fostering an ever-closer interaction between the local population and forests,” stated the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, during a visit to the Capelo Recreational Forest Reserve on the island of Faial. The visit, accompanied by the Regional Director for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, Nuno Sousa, provided an opportunity to assess the current condition of the Reserve and learn about the work carried out by the Faial Forestry Services in its maintenance, conservation and enhancement. Located within a forest area covering around 80 hectares, the Capelo Recreational Forest Reserve is notable for the diversity of its vegetation, which includes species characteristic of Macaronesia, and its range of amenities for public use. The work carried out by the Faial Forestry Services covers the picnic and barbecue areas, the children’s playground, walking trails, the fallow deer enclosure and the traditional country house, enhancing leisure, sport and environmental education areas, as well as the experience of the island’s natural and rural heritage. The Capelo Reserve is the most popular recreational forest reserve on the island of Faial amongst residents and tourists, including organised groups and passengers on sightseeing coach tours. In 2026, it is estimated to have welcomed over 17,000 visitors. “The Capelo Reserve is a showcase for Faial, given its natural assets and its multifunctional nature in serving the public,” emphasised António Ventura. The Azores have 27 Recreational Forest Reserves, spread across eight of the archipelago’s nine islands, covering a total area of approximately 570 hectares. These areas welcome around 400,000 visitors each year, highlighting the importance of this network for public enjoyment, environmental education and the promotion of natural heritage. The VALORFLORAZOR project includes measures aimed at improving access, refurbishing recreational areas, upgrading wildlife enclosures and creating accessible visitor routes, as well as enhancing visitor facilities, information provision and safety. The development of Recreational Forest Reserves also involves ongoing work to preserve the wooded areas, plant new species, restore infrastructure and produce plants for the restoration of natural habitats.
November 11, 2026 Recreational Government invests in developing Recreational Forest Reserves The Government of the Azores is stepping up efforts to develop recreational forest reserves through initiatives aimed at improving access, leisure areas, information provision, safety and visitor facilities in these public spaces. The VALORFLORAZOR project, approved under the AÇORES 2030 programme, represents an investment of over one million euros and envisages initiatives across several islands. “We want to preserve endemic species, raise awareness of the richness of our botanical heritage and promote environmental education, fostering an ever-closer interaction between the local population and forests,” stated the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, during a visit to the Capelo Recreational Forest Reserve on the island of Faial. The visit, accompanied by the Regional Director for Forest Resources and Spatial Planning, Nuno Sousa, provided an opportunity to assess the current condition of the Reserve and learn about the work carried out by the Faial Forestry Services in its maintenance, conservation and enhancement. Located within a forest area covering around 80 hectares, the Capelo Recreational Forest Reserve is notable for the diversity of its vegetation, which includes species characteristic of Macaronesia, and its range of amenities for public use. The work carried out by the Faial Forestry Services covers the picnic and barbecue areas, the children’s playground, walking trails, the fallow deer enclosure and the traditional country house, enhancing leisure, sport and environmental education areas, as well as the experience of the island’s natural and rural heritage. The Capelo Reserve is the most popular recreational forest reserve on the island of Faial amongst residents and tourists, including organised groups and passengers on sightseeing coach tours. In 2026, it is estimated to have welcomed over 17,000 visitors. “The Capelo Reserve is a showcase for Faial, given its natural assets and its multifunctional nature in serving the public,” emphasised António Ventura. The Azores have 27 Recreational Forest Reserves, spread across eight of the archipelago’s nine islands, covering a total area of approximately 570 hectares. These areas welcome around 400,000 visitors each year, highlighting the importance of this network for public enjoyment, environmental education and the promotion of natural heritage. The VALORFLORAZOR project includes measures aimed at improving access, refurbishing recreational areas, upgrading wildlife enclosures and creating accessible visitor routes, as well as enhancing visitor facilities, information provision and safety. The development of Recreational Forest Reserves also involves ongoing work to preserve the wooded areas, plant new species, restore infrastructure and produce plants for the restoration of natural habitats.
Nota de Imprensa
November 10, 2026 Azorean Government bolsters social services in Terceira with €10.35 million investment The Government of the Azores has increased the investment earmarked for the reconstruction and refurbishment of the Convent of the Conceptionist Nuns and the former Misericórdia Hospital on Terceira Island to €10.35 million. The project will create 42 long-term care vacancies for people with dementia and 36 places at a day centre. “We are not merely investing in the restoration of a building of immense historical and heritage value. Above all, we are investing in people – in service users and their families – by creating the conditions to ensure that those most in need can benefit from appropriate, accessible and person-centred care,” stated the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. The government official spoke today in Angra do Heroísmo at the signing of an Investment Cooperation Contract (CCVI) with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, which ensures the continued funding of the works. The increase in investment stems from Government Council Resolution no. 140/2026 of November 5, which amended Resolution no. 270/2020 of October 16. With this decision, the total investment earmarked for the project rises from €4.7 million to €10.35 million, more than doubling the amount initially stipulated. The project, which began in February 2025 and is currently underway, involves restoring a building of great historical and architectural value that was severely damaged by the 1980 earthquake. The work will preserve important heritage features, notably the cloister, whilst adapting the building to meet the requirements of new social and healthcare services. These include a new Continuing Care Unit for People with Dementia with 42 vacancies, increasing the island's current capacity by 88%. The island currently has 48 beds allocated under the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network, spread across the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. The project also includes 36 vacancies at a Day Centre, expanding the capacity to support the elderly and those in particularly vulnerable situations. “The ageing population means we must be able to anticipate needs and devise appropriate responses. We must continue to invest in a social and care network that keeps pace with demographic changes and ensures the necessary support for Azorean families,” emphasised Mónica Seidi. On Terceira Island, more than six million euros of investment in social infrastructure is planned for 2027, continuing the process of strengthening and improving existing services. Among the planned investments are improvements to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, the D. Pedro V Home, the Ribeirinha Day Centre, the São Mateus Daycare Centre, the Santa Bárbara Daycare Centre and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Praia da Vitória Daycare Centre. The Regional Secretary also reiterated the Azorean Government’s commitment to supporting institutions in the social sector and recognising their role in supporting the population and meeting the needs of families. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the work carried out by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo and its staff, emphasising the dedication and commitment of those who provide daily support to the most vulnerable members of society.
November 10, 2026 Azorean Government bolsters social services in Terceira with €10.35 million investment The Government of the Azores has increased the investment earmarked for the reconstruction and refurbishment of the Convent of the Conceptionist Nuns and the former Misericórdia Hospital on Terceira Island to €10.35 million. The project will create 42 long-term care vacancies for people with dementia and 36 places at a day centre. “We are not merely investing in the restoration of a building of immense historical and heritage value. Above all, we are investing in people – in service users and their families – by creating the conditions to ensure that those most in need can benefit from appropriate, accessible and person-centred care,” stated the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi. The government official spoke today in Angra do Heroísmo at the signing of an Investment Cooperation Contract (CCVI) with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, which ensures the continued funding of the works. The increase in investment stems from Government Council Resolution no. 140/2026 of November 5, which amended Resolution no. 270/2020 of October 16. With this decision, the total investment earmarked for the project rises from €4.7 million to €10.35 million, more than doubling the amount initially stipulated. The project, which began in February 2025 and is currently underway, involves restoring a building of great historical and architectural value that was severely damaged by the 1980 earthquake. The work will preserve important heritage features, notably the cloister, whilst adapting the building to meet the requirements of new social and healthcare services. These include a new Continuing Care Unit for People with Dementia with 42 vacancies, increasing the island's current capacity by 88%. The island currently has 48 beds allocated under the Regional Integrated Continuing Care Network, spread across the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória. The project also includes 36 vacancies at a Day Centre, expanding the capacity to support the elderly and those in particularly vulnerable situations. “The ageing population means we must be able to anticipate needs and devise appropriate responses. We must continue to invest in a social and care network that keeps pace with demographic changes and ensures the necessary support for Azorean families,” emphasised Mónica Seidi. On Terceira Island, more than six million euros of investment in social infrastructure is planned for 2027, continuing the process of strengthening and improving existing services. Among the planned investments are improvements to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo, the D. Pedro V Home, the Ribeirinha Day Centre, the São Mateus Daycare Centre, the Santa Bárbara Daycare Centre and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Praia da Vitória Daycare Centre. The Regional Secretary also reiterated the Azorean Government’s commitment to supporting institutions in the social sector and recognising their role in supporting the population and meeting the needs of families. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the work carried out by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Angra do Heroísmo and its staff, emphasising the dedication and commitment of those who provide daily support to the most vulnerable members of society.
Nota de Imprensa
November 10, 2026 Regional Secretary for Education invites political parties to meeting on digitisation of school textbooks The Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, invited the political parties and parliamentary representatives with seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to a “joint discussion” on the project for digitising school textbooks. “The meeting served to analyse the relevance of digitisation in education and assess the benefits and challenges of the project,” stated Sofia Ribeiro. Having reviewed the internal assessment carried out by the government department and the report on the project's external assessment – commissioned and contracted by the Government of the Azores – the Secretary for Education decided to discuss the project. Initially, the debate took place with the Coordinating Council of the Regional Education System, comprising the heads of all school boards in the Region, representatives of trade unions and the parents’ association. This meeting took place on November 2 at Canto da Maia Basic Education School in Ponta Delgada. The meeting with political parties and parliamentary representatives took place this Monday, November 9, at the Silveira e Paulo Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. The meeting addressed the “complementarity of teaching tools,” the “need for teacher training” and the “level of educational decision-making.” Representatives of the PSD, PS, CDS, BE, IL and PAN parties attended the meeting.
November 10, 2026 Regional Secretary for Education invites political parties to meeting on digitisation of school textbooks The Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, invited the political parties and parliamentary representatives with seats in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to a “joint discussion” on the project for digitising school textbooks. “The meeting served to analyse the relevance of digitisation in education and assess the benefits and challenges of the project,” stated Sofia Ribeiro. Having reviewed the internal assessment carried out by the government department and the report on the project's external assessment – commissioned and contracted by the Government of the Azores – the Secretary for Education decided to discuss the project. Initially, the debate took place with the Coordinating Council of the Regional Education System, comprising the heads of all school boards in the Region, representatives of trade unions and the parents’ association. This meeting took place on November 2 at Canto da Maia Basic Education School in Ponta Delgada. The meeting with political parties and parliamentary representatives took place this Monday, November 9, at the Silveira e Paulo Palace in Angra do Heroísmo. The meeting addressed the “complementarity of teaching tools,” the “need for teacher training” and the “level of educational decision-making.” Representatives of the PSD, PS, CDS, BE, IL and PAN parties attended the meeting.
Nota de Imprensa
November 10, 2026 New Ribeira Grande Health Centre is top priority for Azorean Government The Government of the Azores has reiterated the priority it attaches to the construction of the new Ribeira Grande Health Centre, an investment aimed at improving healthcare provision and better meeting the needs of the municipality’s population. “The new Ribeira Grande Health Centre is an investment of particular importance to the population, as it will improve healthcare provision and provide a more appropriate response to the needs of the population of Ribeira Grande,” stated the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. Berta Cabral spoke on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores, promoted by Ribeira Grande Municipal Council. The Regional Secretary emphasised that the progress on the new Health Centre, which is currently in the tendering phase, reflects the Azorean Government’s commitment to improving public services and the quality of life for the population of Ribeira Grande. The Region’s draft budget for 2027 includes the allocation of €2.5 million to ensure the project’s commencement. “Autonomy is not merely a constitutional achievement. It is the ability to turn decisions into development, and development into quality of life,” Berta Cabral stated, emphasising that the true scope of autonomic governance is reflected in the responses to the needs of the population. The Regional Secretary placed this investment within the context of Ribeira Grande’s development, emphasising that the modernisation of infrastructure and the improvement of public services are fundamental aspects of the social progress achieved over recent decades. The event took place as part of the initiative “Ribeira Grande in transformation: half a century of autonomy,” dedicated to the municipality’s evolution over the last 50 years. On this occasion, Berta Cabral also called for closer cooperation between the Regional Government and the municipalities in addressing the challenges of health, housing, mobility, accessibility, sustainability and territorial cohesion. The Government of the Azores considers the new Ribeira Grande Health Centre a priority project to bolster the municipality’s healthcare provision and ensure better conditions for serving the population.
November 10, 2026 New Ribeira Grande Health Centre is top priority for Azorean Government The Government of the Azores has reiterated the priority it attaches to the construction of the new Ribeira Grande Health Centre, an investment aimed at improving healthcare provision and better meeting the needs of the municipality’s population. “The new Ribeira Grande Health Centre is an investment of particular importance to the population, as it will improve healthcare provision and provide a more appropriate response to the needs of the population of Ribeira Grande,” stated the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral. Berta Cabral spoke on behalf of the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Autonomy of the Azores, promoted by Ribeira Grande Municipal Council. The Regional Secretary emphasised that the progress on the new Health Centre, which is currently in the tendering phase, reflects the Azorean Government’s commitment to improving public services and the quality of life for the population of Ribeira Grande. The Region’s draft budget for 2027 includes the allocation of €2.5 million to ensure the project’s commencement. “Autonomy is not merely a constitutional achievement. It is the ability to turn decisions into development, and development into quality of life,” Berta Cabral stated, emphasising that the true scope of autonomic governance is reflected in the responses to the needs of the population. The Regional Secretary placed this investment within the context of Ribeira Grande’s development, emphasising that the modernisation of infrastructure and the improvement of public services are fundamental aspects of the social progress achieved over recent decades. The event took place as part of the initiative “Ribeira Grande in transformation: half a century of autonomy,” dedicated to the municipality’s evolution over the last 50 years. On this occasion, Berta Cabral also called for closer cooperation between the Regional Government and the municipalities in addressing the challenges of health, housing, mobility, accessibility, sustainability and territorial cohesion. The Government of the Azores considers the new Ribeira Grande Health Centre a priority project to bolster the municipality’s healthcare provision and ensure better conditions for serving the population.
