Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro inaugura nova loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto
José Manuel Bolieiro inaugura nova loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro lays first stone for Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home
José Manuel Bolieiro lays first stone for Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Presidência do Governo Regional
"There is total commitment to solving problems in Santa Maria," assures José Manuel Bolieiro
"There is total commitment to solving problems in Santa Maria," assures José Manuel Bolieiro
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro inaugura nova loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, acompanhado pelo Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, Duarte Freitas, presidiu hoje à inauguração da nova Loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto, Santa Maria, durante a visita estatutária do executivo à ilha. Esta infraestrutura integra, num só espaço, os serviços da RIAC – Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Cidadão – e da RIAE – Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Empresário, no centro da vila, promovendo a proximidade e a eficiência no apoio à população e ao tecido empresarial local. A concretização desta obra representa o cumprimento de um compromisso assumido pelo Governo Regional em 2022, que previa a instalação da RIAE em todos os concelhos das nove ilhas dos Açores. Em Santa Maria, optou-se por um modelo inovador de integração dos dois serviços, num novo edifício cuja obra representou um investimento de cerca de 30 mil euros. A junção dos serviços RIAC e RIAE permite uma racionalização de recursos e traduz-se numa poupança anual estimada de 10 mil euros, sem comprometer a qualidade e o alcance dos serviços prestados. “Este é mais um passo na nossa missão de promover uma Administração Pública próxima, eficaz e capaz de responder às necessidades dos cidadãos e dos empresários. Estamos a cumprir com a palavra dada e a valorizar Santa Maria com serviços de qualidade”, afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. A rede integrada RIAC-RIAE está já presente nas ilhas de São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores e Corvo, passando agora a incluir também Santa Maria. A aposta na expansão desta parceria tem-se revelado um êxito junto da população açoriana, proporcionando um atendimento mais célere, personalizado e acessível. A nova loja RIAC-RIAE de Vila do Porto assegura um acompanhamento especializado aos cidadãos e empresários locais, oferecendo apoio direto, esclarecimento de dúvidas e simplificação no acesso aos serviços da Administração Pública Regional. “Quero deixar uma palavra de reconhecimento aos profissionais desta rede integrada, pelo empenho e dedicação. Esta capacitação agora concretizada em Santa Maria é motivo de satisfação para todos nós”, reforçou o governante. Com esta nova etapa, o Governo dos Açores prossegue o seu esforço de modernização administrativa e valorização do serviço público, promovendo a coesão territorial e o desenvolvimento equilibrado de todas as ilhas do arquipélago.
July 3, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro inaugura nova loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, acompanhado pelo Secretário Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública, Duarte Freitas, presidiu hoje à inauguração da nova Loja RIAC-RIAE em Vila do Porto, Santa Maria, durante a visita estatutária do executivo à ilha. Esta infraestrutura integra, num só espaço, os serviços da RIAC – Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Cidadão – e da RIAE – Rede Integrada de Apoio ao Empresário, no centro da vila, promovendo a proximidade e a eficiência no apoio à população e ao tecido empresarial local. A concretização desta obra representa o cumprimento de um compromisso assumido pelo Governo Regional em 2022, que previa a instalação da RIAE em todos os concelhos das nove ilhas dos Açores. Em Santa Maria, optou-se por um modelo inovador de integração dos dois serviços, num novo edifício cuja obra representou um investimento de cerca de 30 mil euros. A junção dos serviços RIAC e RIAE permite uma racionalização de recursos e traduz-se numa poupança anual estimada de 10 mil euros, sem comprometer a qualidade e o alcance dos serviços prestados. “Este é mais um passo na nossa missão de promover uma Administração Pública próxima, eficaz e capaz de responder às necessidades dos cidadãos e dos empresários. Estamos a cumprir com a palavra dada e a valorizar Santa Maria com serviços de qualidade”, afirmou José Manuel Bolieiro. A rede integrada RIAC-RIAE está já presente nas ilhas de São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, São Jorge, Graciosa, Flores e Corvo, passando agora a incluir também Santa Maria. A aposta na expansão desta parceria tem-se revelado um êxito junto da população açoriana, proporcionando um atendimento mais célere, personalizado e acessível. A nova loja RIAC-RIAE de Vila do Porto assegura um acompanhamento especializado aos cidadãos e empresários locais, oferecendo apoio direto, esclarecimento de dúvidas e simplificação no acesso aos serviços da Administração Pública Regional. “Quero deixar uma palavra de reconhecimento aos profissionais desta rede integrada, pelo empenho e dedicação. Esta capacitação agora concretizada em Santa Maria é motivo de satisfação para todos nós”, reforçou o governante. Com esta nova etapa, o Governo dos Açores prossegue o seu esforço de modernização administrativa e valorização do serviço público, promovendo a coesão territorial e o desenvolvimento equilibrado de todas as ilhas do arquipélago.
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro lays first stone for Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony of laying the first stone for the construction of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home, a new social initiative that will strengthen the support network for people with disabilities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, the President of the Regional Government highlighted the importance of this initiative for the island of Santa Maria and the promotion of social inclusion. "This investment is a clear demonstration of a policy of proximity, focused on human dignity and territorial cohesion. It is a commitment to the people and the future of our Region," stated the President of the Government. The new residential home is intended for the collective, temporary or permanent accommodation of people with disabilities who, for various reasons, cannot remain in their family environment. The infrastructure will be adapted on a single floor, through modifications, expansions and partial demolitions, ensuring adequate accessibility and comfort for users. "The construction of this home is more than a mere building project; it is a demonstration of respect for the rights of all, especially those most in need," he emphasised. The work will have a completion period of 420 days and represents an overall investment of €1,885,000.00. The works contract will be carried out by the company Construtora Manuel & Avelino, Lda, under the supervision of Norma S.A. The project was designed by MAT – Arquitetura e Especialidades. The home will have capacity for 21 residents, distributed across nine double rooms and one triple room, reflecting a care model that combines functionality and a family atmosphere. This project is part of a broader strategy by the Regional Government to consolidate and improve the network of social facilities, with a special focus on disability, childhood and youth. "We will continue to invest in infrastructure to guarantee adequate and high-quality social responses, always on a path towards social justice and inclusion," assured the President of the Government. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto currently operates 12 services, including five Free Time Activity Centres (CATL), a Residential Facility for the Elderly (ERPI), an Activity and Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI), a Nursery, a Day Centre, Caregiver Rest and Emergency Shelter, among others. The institution has a staff of 103 professionals and provides support to 272 users. The new residential home represents a decisive step towards consolidating institutional autonomy and expanding its social mission among the island's most vulnerable population. The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Vila do Porto, Bárbara Chaves, the President of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto, Rui Figueiredo Melo, and the President of the General Assembly of the same institution, Lubélia Chaves.
July 3, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro lays first stone for Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony of laying the first stone for the construction of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home, a new social initiative that will strengthen the support network for people with disabilities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, the President of the Regional Government highlighted the importance of this initiative for the island of Santa Maria and the promotion of social inclusion. "This investment is a clear demonstration of a policy of proximity, focused on human dignity and territorial cohesion. It is a commitment to the people and the future of our Region," stated the President of the Government. The new residential home is intended for the collective, temporary or permanent accommodation of people with disabilities who, for various reasons, cannot remain in their family environment. The infrastructure will be adapted on a single floor, through modifications, expansions and partial demolitions, ensuring adequate accessibility and comfort for users. "The construction of this home is more than a mere building project; it is a demonstration of respect for the rights of all, especially those most in need," he emphasised. The work will have a completion period of 420 days and represents an overall investment of €1,885,000.00. The works contract will be carried out by the company Construtora Manuel & Avelino, Lda, under the supervision of Norma S.A. The project was designed by MAT – Arquitetura e Especialidades. The home will have capacity for 21 residents, distributed across nine double rooms and one triple room, reflecting a care model that combines functionality and a family atmosphere. This project is part of a broader strategy by the Regional Government to consolidate and improve the network of social facilities, with a special focus on disability, childhood and youth. "We will continue to invest in infrastructure to guarantee adequate and high-quality social responses, always on a path towards social justice and inclusion," assured the President of the Government. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto currently operates 12 services, including five Free Time Activity Centres (CATL), a Residential Facility for the Elderly (ERPI), an Activity and Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI), a Nursery, a Day Centre, Caregiver Rest and Emergency Shelter, among others. The institution has a staff of 103 professionals and provides support to 272 users. The new residential home represents a decisive step towards consolidating institutional autonomy and expanding its social mission among the island's most vulnerable population. The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Vila do Porto, Bárbara Chaves, the President of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto, Rui Figueiredo Melo, and the President of the General Assembly of the same institution, Lubélia Chaves.
Comunicado
July 3, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on July 3, 2025, in Vila do Porto, adopted the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution establishing the Mission Structure for the implementation and coordination of the Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship (PRISC) 2025-2028. This proposal for a Government Council Resolution aims to create a Task Force for the implementation and coordination of PRISC 2025-2028, called "PRISC – Implementation." It will be made up of and headed by a regional coordinator, who will be supported by a PRISC 2025-2028 Technical Monitoring Team consisting of one representative from each of the services and entities involved in the implementation of the measures enforcing PRISC 2025-2028, namely in the areas of finance, equality and social inclusion, solidarity and social security, education and training, labour and employment, housing and health. 2. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the regulations governing the granting of aid for the purchase of maize and sorghum seeds for the production of fodder or grain maize for 2024. This amendment makes adjustments to the eligibility conditions for beneficiaries and increases the budget limit for the aid to be granted to €2,700,000.00. 3. Approve the Resolution repealing the current regulations governing the Integrated Employment Support Programme, which will now be regulated by an order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment.
July 3, 2025 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on July 3, 2025, in Vila do Porto, adopted the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution establishing the Mission Structure for the implementation and coordination of the Regional Plan for Social Inclusion and Citizenship (PRISC) 2025-2028. This proposal for a Government Council Resolution aims to create a Task Force for the implementation and coordination of PRISC 2025-2028, called "PRISC – Implementation." It will be made up of and headed by a regional coordinator, who will be supported by a PRISC 2025-2028 Technical Monitoring Team consisting of one representative from each of the services and entities involved in the implementation of the measures enforcing PRISC 2025-2028, namely in the areas of finance, equality and social inclusion, solidarity and social security, education and training, labour and employment, housing and health. 2. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree amending the regulations governing the granting of aid for the purchase of maize and sorghum seeds for the production of fodder or grain maize for 2024. This amendment makes adjustments to the eligibility conditions for beneficiaries and increases the budget limit for the aid to be granted to €2,700,000.00. 3. Approve the Resolution repealing the current regulations governing the Integrated Employment Support Programme, which will now be regulated by an order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment.
Nota de Imprensa
July 3, 2025 "There is total commitment to solving problems in Santa Maria," assures José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met on Wednesday with the Santa Maria Island Council at a meeting he considered "enriching" and where local concerns were discussed, with particular emphasis on freight and passenger transport, health and housing. During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the situation of maritime freight transport. The head of the Azorean Government clarified that the constraints observed are not the result of governmental inaction, but rather of obstacles placed by operators and shipowners. He also noted that the Regional Government stands in solidarity with all islands and is "committed" to ensuring regular transport services, including increasing the frequency of services to the island of Santa Maria. "The Government has already adopted a political and operational strategy to turn the fortnightly delivery into a weekly delivery, ensuring greater frequency in both the reception and dispatch of goods," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, adding that the new model cannot entail increased costs for the population of Santa Maria. José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Regional Government will maintain the dialogue with shipowners and operators in defence of the island's interests. "We are fully committed to solving these problems, based on a study that guides us strategically. This is not an administrative act, but a negotiation that the Government is ready to continue," he said. Despite the challenges, there was a 13% increase in cargo transported by sea (from 9.4 tonnes to 10.7 tonnes), while air cargo decreased by 14% (from 129 to 111 tonnes), which points to the importance of investing in maritime transport. The President of the Government reiterated the Regional Government's intention to resume passenger ferry service between São Miguel and Santa Maria, a future ambition that is currently being considered and studied. In the area of health, there was a significant increase in the number of consultations carried out by specialist doctors visiting Santa Maria. In 2024, the number of consultations rose to 3,412, an increase of 27% compared to the previous year, with more than half (54%) corresponding to the specialities of cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and ophthalmology. Regarding housing, the Government's commitment to structural investments that guarantee better living conditions for the population of Santa Maria was highlighted, namely the 35 million Euro investment in infrastructures in the 11 neighbourhoods of Santa Maria airport, which will make way for over a hundred new houses. José Manuel Bolieiro rejected any suggestion that Santa Maria is being treated unfairly compared to the other islands in the archipelago. “We do not want it to be said, because it is not true, that Santa Maria is being treated differently in a negative way, because there is a lack of interest in these problems. There is a total commitment to solving these problems,” stressed the President of the Government. Accordingly, the Regional Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a posture of active listening and responsible action to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the population of Santa Maria.
July 3, 2025 "There is total commitment to solving problems in Santa Maria," assures José Manuel Bolieiro The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, met on Wednesday with the Santa Maria Island Council at a meeting he considered "enriching" and where local concerns were discussed, with particular emphasis on freight and passenger transport, health and housing. During the meeting, particular attention was paid to the situation of maritime freight transport. The head of the Azorean Government clarified that the constraints observed are not the result of governmental inaction, but rather of obstacles placed by operators and shipowners. He also noted that the Regional Government stands in solidarity with all islands and is "committed" to ensuring regular transport services, including increasing the frequency of services to the island of Santa Maria. "The Government has already adopted a political and operational strategy to turn the fortnightly delivery into a weekly delivery, ensuring greater frequency in both the reception and dispatch of goods," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, adding that the new model cannot entail increased costs for the population of Santa Maria. José Manuel Bolieiro assured that the Regional Government will maintain the dialogue with shipowners and operators in defence of the island's interests. "We are fully committed to solving these problems, based on a study that guides us strategically. This is not an administrative act, but a negotiation that the Government is ready to continue," he said. Despite the challenges, there was a 13% increase in cargo transported by sea (from 9.4 tonnes to 10.7 tonnes), while air cargo decreased by 14% (from 129 to 111 tonnes), which points to the importance of investing in maritime transport. The President of the Government reiterated the Regional Government's intention to resume passenger ferry service between São Miguel and Santa Maria, a future ambition that is currently being considered and studied. In the area of health, there was a significant increase in the number of consultations carried out by specialist doctors visiting Santa Maria. In 2024, the number of consultations rose to 3,412, an increase of 27% compared to the previous year, with more than half (54%) corresponding to the specialities of cardiology, dermatology, pulmonology and ophthalmology. Regarding housing, the Government's commitment to structural investments that guarantee better living conditions for the population of Santa Maria was highlighted, namely the 35 million Euro investment in infrastructures in the 11 neighbourhoods of Santa Maria airport, which will make way for over a hundred new houses. José Manuel Bolieiro rejected any suggestion that Santa Maria is being treated unfairly compared to the other islands in the archipelago. “We do not want it to be said, because it is not true, that Santa Maria is being treated differently in a negative way, because there is a lack of interest in these problems. There is a total commitment to solving these problems,” stressed the President of the Government. Accordingly, the Regional Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a posture of active listening and responsible action to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the population of Santa Maria.
Nota de Imprensa
July 2, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro delivers vehicle to Salvaterra and opens school playground on Santa Maria Island During the Azorean Government's statutory visit to the island of Santa Maria, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced ttoday two important investments underlining the Government's commitment to the island's social and educational development: the delivery of an electric vehicle to the Salvaterra Association and the opening of the new playground at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School. These actions, accompanied by the Regional Secretaries for Health and Social Security, and for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, symbolise "the recognition of the structural role that Santa Maria plays in the archipelago as a whole and the Government's firm commitment to investing in its present and future," stated the President of the Government. The delivery of an electric vehicle to the Mariense Development and Solidarity Association – Salvaterra, as part of the GERMOV programme, represents a significant step towards the modernisation and sustainability of social responses on the island. The institution currently serves 133 users and has two facilities: a Community Centre and a Social Centre. This has increased its capacity to respond and mobilise in serving the population. "Supporting caregivers is a priority for our Government. This vehicle is not just a means of transport: it is a tool for dignity, inclusion and proximity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. In 2025, the association will receive more than 140 thousand Euros in funding from Social Security, reflecting the Government's continued support for entities in the solidarity sector. Also, during the first day of his official visit, the President of the Government opened the refurbished sports field at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, a project carried out under the Participatory Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The project included the renovation of the surrounding area, the improvement of outdoor equipment for physical education, and the upgrading of access to the new sports hall. With an investment of 41 thousand Euros, the work was carried out by the local company André Oliveira – Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., and represents, for the President of the Government, "an exemplary achievement of civic participation." “When citizens have an active voice, investments become more accurate and useful. This redevelopment is a direct result of participatory democracy, in which the population of Santa Maria clearly stated what was needed, and we listened,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro. Alongside this project, work was also carried out on the school fence, with an additional investment of about 77 thousand Euros funded by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures. The actions now implemented are part of a wider strategy to harness the unique potential of Santa Maria, where the Regional Government has been making comprehensive investments in social, educational, infrastructure and environmental areas, with a view to strengthening regional cohesion and promoting balanced development across all islands. “Santa Maria is an island with a strong identity, entrepreneurial spirit and a close-knit community. This Government is proud to invest in this land as we believe in its strategic role for the progress of the Azores as a whole,” stated the President of the Regional Government. José Manuel Bolieiro concluded the visit by emphasising that "public investment only makes sense when it truly improves people's lives" and thanked everyone involved for their "sense of mission, coordination and commitment to the community of Santa Maria."
July 2, 2025 José Manuel Bolieiro delivers vehicle to Salvaterra and opens school playground on Santa Maria Island During the Azorean Government's statutory visit to the island of Santa Maria, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, announced ttoday two important investments underlining the Government's commitment to the island's social and educational development: the delivery of an electric vehicle to the Salvaterra Association and the opening of the new playground at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School. These actions, accompanied by the Regional Secretaries for Health and Social Security, and for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, symbolise "the recognition of the structural role that Santa Maria plays in the archipelago as a whole and the Government's firm commitment to investing in its present and future," stated the President of the Government. The delivery of an electric vehicle to the Mariense Development and Solidarity Association – Salvaterra, as part of the GERMOV programme, represents a significant step towards the modernisation and sustainability of social responses on the island. The institution currently serves 133 users and has two facilities: a Community Centre and a Social Centre. This has increased its capacity to respond and mobilise in serving the population. "Supporting caregivers is a priority for our Government. This vehicle is not just a means of transport: it is a tool for dignity, inclusion and proximity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. In 2025, the association will receive more than 140 thousand Euros in funding from Social Security, reflecting the Government's continued support for entities in the solidarity sector. Also, during the first day of his official visit, the President of the Government opened the refurbished sports field at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, a project carried out under the Participatory Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. The project included the renovation of the surrounding area, the improvement of outdoor equipment for physical education, and the upgrading of access to the new sports hall. With an investment of 41 thousand Euros, the work was carried out by the local company André Oliveira – Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., and represents, for the President of the Government, "an exemplary achievement of civic participation." “When citizens have an active voice, investments become more accurate and useful. This redevelopment is a direct result of participatory democracy, in which the population of Santa Maria clearly stated what was needed, and we listened,” stated José Manuel Bolieiro. Alongside this project, work was also carried out on the school fence, with an additional investment of about 77 thousand Euros funded by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures. The actions now implemented are part of a wider strategy to harness the unique potential of Santa Maria, where the Regional Government has been making comprehensive investments in social, educational, infrastructure and environmental areas, with a view to strengthening regional cohesion and promoting balanced development across all islands. “Santa Maria is an island with a strong identity, entrepreneurial spirit and a close-knit community. This Government is proud to invest in this land as we believe in its strategic role for the progress of the Azores as a whole,” stated the President of the Regional Government. José Manuel Bolieiro concluded the visit by emphasising that "public investment only makes sense when it truly improves people's lives" and thanked everyone involved for their "sense of mission, coordination and commitment to the community of Santa Maria."
