Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca nova centralidade geoestratégica dos Açores no quadro da segurança e defesa do Atlântico
José Manuel Bolieiro destaca nova centralidade geoestratégica dos Açores no quadro da segurança e defesa do Atlântico
Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora
José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago
Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago
Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca nova centralidade geoestratégica dos Açores no quadro da segurança e defesa do Atlântico O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, defendeu hoje, em Lisboa, que a atual conjuntura internacional reforça a centralidade geoestratégica do arquipélago e cria uma "oportunidade para afirmar os Açores" como uma "plataforma estratégica de Portugal, da União Europeia e da NATO", onde segurança, defesa, inovação e desenvolvimento caminham lado a lado. O líder do executivo açoriano participou no seminário "A nova centralidade dos Açores: Perspetiva estratégico-militar", promovido pelo Instituto Universitário Militar, onde apresentou uma comunicação subordinada ao tema "Relações com os sistemas de segurança e defesa na Região Autónoma dos Açores". José Manuel Bolieiro enquadrou a crescente importância do Atlântico Norte no contexto da reconfiguração da arquitetura internacional de segurança, marcada pelos conflitos em curso e pela necessidade de proteger infraestruturas críticas, cadeias logísticas, rotas marítimas, fluxos energéticos e comunicações digitais. "Os Açores deixaram de ser percebidos como periferia para serem reconhecidos como um ponto de gravidade atlântico, essencial para a segurança e a resiliência da Europa e da comunidade transatlântica", afirmou. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores sublinhou que a posição geográfica do arquipélago, situado no cruzamento das principais rotas marítimas e aéreas entre a Europa, a América e África, associada à sua vasta dimensão marítima e ao papel crescente no domínio espacial, confere aos Açores uma "relevância estratégica" sem paralelo no espaço português. Neste contexto, destacou a responsabilidade acrescida da Região na vigilância de uma subárea da Zona Económica Exclusiva com cerca de um milhão de quilómetros quadrados, na proteção dos cabos submarinos que asseguram uma parte significativa das comunicações transatlânticas e na salvaguarda das infraestruturas críticas marítimas. José Manuel Bolieiro defendeu, por isso, uma estratégia assente no desenvolvimento de capacidades de duplo uso, colocando os investimentos em segurança e defesa ao serviço da proteção do território, da economia azul, da inovação tecnológica e da criação de emprego qualificado. "Queremos posicionar os Açores como uma plataforma estratégica de Portugal, articulando defesa, inovação, resiliência e desenvolvimento económico, transformando a nossa localização geográfica numa vantagem competitiva para a Região e para o País", sustentou. O governante açoriano destacou ainda o papel de infraestruturas como a Base das Lajes, na ilha Terceira, o cais NATO de Ponta Delgada, a futura Zona Livre Tecnológica da Horta e o porto espacial de Santa Maria, considerando que estas valências reforçam a capacidade dos Açores para apoiar operações de segurança e defesa, desenvolver tecnologia de ponta e consolidar o posicionamento da Região nos setores marítimo e espacial. José Manuel Bolieiro defendeu igualmente o reforço da vigilância marítima, da proteção das infraestruturas críticas e do conhecimento situacional do espaço marítimo, bem como uma cooperação cada vez mais estreita entre a Região, a República, a NATO e a União Europeia, conciliando soberania, segurança, sustentabilidade e desenvolvimento. "A nossa posição geográfica deve traduzir-se em mais segurança, mais resiliência e mais futuro. Queremos que os Açores sejam reconhecidos como uma plataforma avançada de capacidades de duplo uso e um território de referência para políticas que unem segurança marítima, inovação tecnológica, economia azul sustentável e coesão territorial", concluiu.
July 14, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro destaca nova centralidade geoestratégica dos Açores no quadro da segurança e defesa do Atlântico O Presidente do Governo dos Açores, José Manuel Bolieiro, defendeu hoje, em Lisboa, que a atual conjuntura internacional reforça a centralidade geoestratégica do arquipélago e cria uma "oportunidade para afirmar os Açores" como uma "plataforma estratégica de Portugal, da União Europeia e da NATO", onde segurança, defesa, inovação e desenvolvimento caminham lado a lado. O líder do executivo açoriano participou no seminário "A nova centralidade dos Açores: Perspetiva estratégico-militar", promovido pelo Instituto Universitário Militar, onde apresentou uma comunicação subordinada ao tema "Relações com os sistemas de segurança e defesa na Região Autónoma dos Açores". José Manuel Bolieiro enquadrou a crescente importância do Atlântico Norte no contexto da reconfiguração da arquitetura internacional de segurança, marcada pelos conflitos em curso e pela necessidade de proteger infraestruturas críticas, cadeias logísticas, rotas marítimas, fluxos energéticos e comunicações digitais. "Os Açores deixaram de ser percebidos como periferia para serem reconhecidos como um ponto de gravidade atlântico, essencial para a segurança e a resiliência da Europa e da comunidade transatlântica", afirmou. O Presidente do Governo dos Açores sublinhou que a posição geográfica do arquipélago, situado no cruzamento das principais rotas marítimas e aéreas entre a Europa, a América e África, associada à sua vasta dimensão marítima e ao papel crescente no domínio espacial, confere aos Açores uma "relevância estratégica" sem paralelo no espaço português. Neste contexto, destacou a responsabilidade acrescida da Região na vigilância de uma subárea da Zona Económica Exclusiva com cerca de um milhão de quilómetros quadrados, na proteção dos cabos submarinos que asseguram uma parte significativa das comunicações transatlânticas e na salvaguarda das infraestruturas críticas marítimas. José Manuel Bolieiro defendeu, por isso, uma estratégia assente no desenvolvimento de capacidades de duplo uso, colocando os investimentos em segurança e defesa ao serviço da proteção do território, da economia azul, da inovação tecnológica e da criação de emprego qualificado. "Queremos posicionar os Açores como uma plataforma estratégica de Portugal, articulando defesa, inovação, resiliência e desenvolvimento económico, transformando a nossa localização geográfica numa vantagem competitiva para a Região e para o País", sustentou. O governante açoriano destacou ainda o papel de infraestruturas como a Base das Lajes, na ilha Terceira, o cais NATO de Ponta Delgada, a futura Zona Livre Tecnológica da Horta e o porto espacial de Santa Maria, considerando que estas valências reforçam a capacidade dos Açores para apoiar operações de segurança e defesa, desenvolver tecnologia de ponta e consolidar o posicionamento da Região nos setores marítimo e espacial. José Manuel Bolieiro defendeu igualmente o reforço da vigilância marítima, da proteção das infraestruturas críticas e do conhecimento situacional do espaço marítimo, bem como uma cooperação cada vez mais estreita entre a Região, a República, a NATO e a União Europeia, conciliando soberania, segurança, sustentabilidade e desenvolvimento. "A nossa posição geográfica deve traduzir-se em mais segurança, mais resiliência e mais futuro. Queremos que os Açores sejam reconhecidos como uma plataforma avançada de capacidades de duplo uso e um território de referência para políticas que unem segurança marítima, inovação tecnológica, economia azul sustentável e coesão territorial", concluiu.
Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, in an audience held at the Sant’Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada, where institutional relations between the Azores and Bermuda were strengthened, and the role of the Azorean community in that territory was highlighted. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the prestige of the Azorean diaspora in Bermuda, emphasising its contribution, over generations, to the economic, social and cultural development of that archipelago, whilst also serving as an important link between both territories. “The prestige of our diaspora is a source of pride for the Azores. The Azorean community in Bermuda has made its mark through hard work, dedication and the ability to preserve its identity, thereby strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” emphasised the President of the Government. The Bermuda delegation's visit is also part of a working program that includes a meeting focused on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, as well as visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park and the Azorean Emigration Museum. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of deepening institutional cooperation in areas of common interest, strengthening relations built on historical ties, promoting the diaspora, and sharing knowledge and best practices.
July 13, 2026 José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed Premier of Bermuda and strengthened ties with Azorean diaspora The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, welcomed the Premier of Bermuda, David Burt, in an audience held at the Sant’Ana Palace in Ponta Delgada, where institutional relations between the Azores and Bermuda were strengthened, and the role of the Azorean community in that territory was highlighted. José Manuel Bolieiro stressed the prestige of the Azorean diaspora in Bermuda, emphasising its contribution, over generations, to the economic, social and cultural development of that archipelago, whilst also serving as an important link between both territories. “The prestige of our diaspora is a source of pride for the Azores. The Azorean community in Bermuda has made its mark through hard work, dedication and the ability to preserve its identity, thereby strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our peoples,” emphasised the President of the Government. The Bermuda delegation's visit is also part of a working program that includes a meeting focused on the Azorean community in Bermuda, a presentation of the Blue Azores Programme, as well as visits to the University of the Azores, the NONAGON Science and Technology Park and the Azorean Emigration Museum. José Manuel Bolieiro reiterated the importance of deepening institutional cooperation in areas of common interest, strengthening relations built on historical ties, promoting the diaspora, and sharing knowledge and best practices.
Nota de Imprensa
July 14, 2026 Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Instituto de Segurança Social dos Açores (ISSA), iniciou hoje o pagamento do Complemento Açoriano ao Abono de Família para Crianças e Jovens (CAAF), referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026. Já foram efetuadas as transferências bancárias, estando os pagamentos por vale postal disponíveis nos CTT no dia 17 de julho, o que representa uma antecipação de uma semana face ao calendário habitual. Este pagamento abrange 29.317 beneficiários, correspondendo a um montante global de 1.602.921,21 euros, reforçando o apoio às famílias açorianas com crianças e jovens a cargo. Importa salientar que, desde 2021, o valor investido no CAAF aumentou 47% e que, desde 2021, com os governos da coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, foram investidos cerca de 15,3 milhões de euros neste apoio. O CAAF é atribuído com periodicidade semestral, sendo processado duas vezes por ano. Constitui um importante instrumento de política social, traduzindo-se num acréscimo pecuniário atribuído aos titulares do Abono de Família residentes na Região Autónoma dos Açores. Embora os titulares sejam as crianças e os jovens, o respetivo pagamento é efetuado aos pais, tutores legais ou instituições responsáveis.
July 14, 2026 Complemento ao Abono de Família referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026 já começou a ser pago A Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, através do Instituto de Segurança Social dos Açores (ISSA), iniciou hoje o pagamento do Complemento Açoriano ao Abono de Família para Crianças e Jovens (CAAF), referente ao primeiro semestre de 2026. Já foram efetuadas as transferências bancárias, estando os pagamentos por vale postal disponíveis nos CTT no dia 17 de julho, o que representa uma antecipação de uma semana face ao calendário habitual. Este pagamento abrange 29.317 beneficiários, correspondendo a um montante global de 1.602.921,21 euros, reforçando o apoio às famílias açorianas com crianças e jovens a cargo. Importa salientar que, desde 2021, o valor investido no CAAF aumentou 47% e que, desde 2021, com os governos da coligação PSD/CDS-PP/PPM, foram investidos cerca de 15,3 milhões de euros neste apoio. O CAAF é atribuído com periodicidade semestral, sendo processado duas vezes por ano. Constitui um importante instrumento de política social, traduzindo-se num acréscimo pecuniário atribuído aos titulares do Abono de Família residentes na Região Autónoma dos Açores. Embora os titulares sejam as crianças e os jovens, o respetivo pagamento é efetuado aos pais, tutores legais ou instituições responsáveis.
Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026 Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura During a visit to the Oenology Laboratory, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, accompanied by the President of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), Cláudio Lopes, emphasised that “the Azorean wine sector continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic agrifood sectors in the Region. It has shown sustained growth underpinned by the enhancement of production, the technical skills of industry stakeholders and investment in innovation and research.” The latest figures from the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), dated July 6, 2026, reveal a very significant improvement in the sector’s key indicators. As of today, 104 trade marks and 192 commercial references have been registered – the highest figures ever recorded – reflecting the growing confidence of producers and businesses in the potential of the Azorean wine industry. At the same time, there are 35 certified economic operators, spread across five islands of the Region. There has also been a very positive trend in wine certification. In just five certification tastings held this year, 125 candidate wines have already been submitted, amounting to around 471,000 litres, with approximately 432,000 litres achieving certification, showcasing the growing quality of wines produced in the Azores. The area of vineyard approved for the production of PDO- and PGI-certified wines is another indicator of the sector’s strong expansion. Between 2016 and 2026, it increased from around 216 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, highlighting ongoing investment in the recovery and planting of new vineyards, as well as in the promotion of traditional Azorean grape varieties. This growth has been accompanied by strengthened technical and scientific capacity at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, whose activities have seen a significant growth over the last decade. The number of physico-chemical tests conducted has risen from around 2,180 in 2016 to over 5,200 in 2025, keeping pace with the development of regional production and ensuring an increasingly high-quality technical support service for winegrowers and producers. At the same time, the Laboratory continues to play a key role in applied research. As part of the partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre, aimed at the phytosanitary improvement of traditional grape varieties such as Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and Arinto dos Açores, around 3,700 certified plants are now available and will be delivered to the IVVA for subsequent distribution to winegrowers. There are also plans to launch a new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks for traditional Azorean grape varieties, thus strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional wine industry. Training and knowledge transfer also continue to play a central role in the sector’s development strategy. Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of awareness-raising activities, specialised training courses, workshops and technical and scientific dissemination initiatives were organised for producers, technical staff, students and the general public, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices and the promotion of Azorean wines. These initiatives involved more than 700 participants, serving as an important tool for capacity-building within the sector. The progress made over recent years confirms that the Azorean wine industry is experiencing a period of consistent growth, underpinned by the promotion of certified wines, technological innovation, scientific research and the strengthening of the skills of its economic stakeholders, thereby creating the conditions to boost the competitiveness and recognition of Azorean wines in national and international markets. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, “the Regional Oenology Laboratory is now a leading scientific facility for the development of the Azorean wine industry.” He continued: “The significant increase in its activity demonstrates the confidence of producers and the importance of this public service in ensuring the quality, safety and promotion of Azores wines.” "Scientific knowledge, innovation and technology transfer will continue to be fundamental pillars of the Azorean Government’s strategy for this sector, bringing research closer to the practical needs of regional winegrowers and wineries,” concluded António Ventura.
July 13, 2026 Azorean wine sector sets new records for brands and wine certification, says António Ventura During a visit to the Oenology Laboratory, the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, accompanied by the President of the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), Cláudio Lopes, emphasised that “the Azorean wine sector continues to establish itself as one of the most dynamic agrifood sectors in the Region. It has shown sustained growth underpinned by the enhancement of production, the technical skills of industry stakeholders and investment in innovation and research.” The latest figures from the Azores Vine and Wine Institute (IVVA), dated July 6, 2026, reveal a very significant improvement in the sector’s key indicators. As of today, 104 trade marks and 192 commercial references have been registered – the highest figures ever recorded – reflecting the growing confidence of producers and businesses in the potential of the Azorean wine industry. At the same time, there are 35 certified economic operators, spread across five islands of the Region. There has also been a very positive trend in wine certification. In just five certification tastings held this year, 125 candidate wines have already been submitted, amounting to around 471,000 litres, with approximately 432,000 litres achieving certification, showcasing the growing quality of wines produced in the Azores. The area of vineyard approved for the production of PDO- and PGI-certified wines is another indicator of the sector’s strong expansion. Between 2016 and 2026, it increased from around 216 hectares to over 1,200 hectares, highlighting ongoing investment in the recovery and planting of new vineyards, as well as in the promotion of traditional Azorean grape varieties. This growth has been accompanied by strengthened technical and scientific capacity at the Regional Oenology Laboratory, whose activities have seen a significant growth over the last decade. The number of physico-chemical tests conducted has risen from around 2,180 in 2016 to over 5,200 in 2025, keeping pace with the development of regional production and ensuring an increasingly high-quality technical support service for winegrowers and producers. At the same time, the Laboratory continues to play a key role in applied research. As part of the partnership with the Azores Biotechnology Centre, aimed at the phytosanitary improvement of traditional grape varieties such as Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico and Arinto dos Açores, around 3,700 certified plants are now available and will be delivered to the IVVA for subsequent distribution to winegrowers. There are also plans to launch a new line of research dedicated to the certification of rootstocks for traditional Azorean grape varieties, thus strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of the regional wine industry. Training and knowledge transfer also continue to play a central role in the sector’s development strategy. Between 2015 and 2024, dozens of awareness-raising activities, specialised training courses, workshops and technical and scientific dissemination initiatives were organised for producers, technical staff, students and the general public, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices and the promotion of Azorean wines. These initiatives involved more than 700 participants, serving as an important tool for capacity-building within the sector. The progress made over recent years confirms that the Azorean wine industry is experiencing a period of consistent growth, underpinned by the promotion of certified wines, technological innovation, scientific research and the strengthening of the skills of its economic stakeholders, thereby creating the conditions to boost the competitiveness and recognition of Azorean wines in national and international markets. According to the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, “the Regional Oenology Laboratory is now a leading scientific facility for the development of the Azorean wine industry.” He continued: “The significant increase in its activity demonstrates the confidence of producers and the importance of this public service in ensuring the quality, safety and promotion of Azores wines.” "Scientific knowledge, innovation and technology transfer will continue to be fundamental pillars of the Azorean Government’s strategy for this sector, bringing research closer to the practical needs of regional winegrowers and wineries,” concluded António Ventura.
Nota de Imprensa
July 13, 2026 Regional Government boosts investment in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools with an unprecedented training programme for instructors in the Region The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), organised a Training Course for Instructors of Junior and Cadet Fire School (EIC) in partnership with the National Fire Service School (ENB), which is being held for the first time in the Azores. The training took place between 9 and 11 at the headquarters of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters on the island of São Miguel. It was conducted by ENB instructors and attended by 17 trainees, including a member of SRPCBA and members of various regional fire departments. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, Alonso Miguel, observed the proceedings this Friday, stating that “the course is intended to strengthen the educational, technical and civic skills of those responsible for supervising the children and young people attending these schools.” The government official emphasised that this training programme “marks an important milestone in the consolidation of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, boosting the fire services’ ability to carry out structured, safe and educationally appropriate work with younger generations.” During the visit, Alonso Miguel, who was accompanied by the President of SRPCBA, Rui Andrade, emphasised that this training represents “another significant contribution to the strategy for consolidating and expanding Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, at a time when the project is experiencing a strong growth.” “In 2023, there were seven active Junior and Cadet Schools and 167 children and young people enrolled. Currently, the Region has 11 active schools and 304 participants. This means that there has been a very significant increase in less than three years – over 57% in the number of schools and 82% in the number of enrolments,” he said. For the Regional Secretary, this development demonstrates that “the Azorean Government’s commitment to Junior and Cadet Schools is yielding tangible results, bringing children and young people closer to the fire service, civil protection and volunteering.” Alonso Miguel pointed out that the Regional Government had approved the Regulations on Support for the Establishment and Promotion of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, “a pioneering and innovative instrument at a national level.” It provides, amongst other measures, for an annual allocation of €40 per Junior or Cadet, intended to cover the cost of uniforms, and an annual grant of €300 per school to support the implementation of its activities programme. “This support measure has created better conditions for the opening, operation and development of these schools. We intend to continue consolidating and expanding this project, ensuring greater participation, better training and an ever-stronger link between fire services and the communities they serve,” he said. According to the government official, “the support for these schools has been achieved in close collaboration with the Azores Fire Federation and regional humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters, as part of a joint effort aimed at consolidating, revitalising and expanding the project throughout the Region.” The Regional Secretary added that “the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools play a key role in promoting the values of citizenship, civil protection and community service. They are strategic in bringing children and young people closer to the fire service and in contributing to the future renewal and sustainability of this activity.” “Investing in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools is investing in the future of firefighters and the future of the regional civil protection system, as well as in the dissemination of values such as discipline, responsibility, team spirit, solidarity and a desire to serve,” he emphasised. Junior and Cadet Fire Schools are aimed at two age groups: juniors, aged between 6 and 13, whose training focuses on civic values, first aid and the basics of civil protection; and cadets, aged between 14 and 16, who are taught more advanced content, including subjects related to firefighting, rescue and other operational activities. There are currently 11 Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, namely within the fire departments of Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Praia da Vitória, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Faial and Santa Cruz das Flores. Alonso Miguel also thanked the National Fire Service School “for the willingness shown in providing this training, the SRPCBA for its initiative and commitment to driving the project forward, and trainees for their participation in the course and, above all, for the work carried out in operating the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools across the Region.” The government official concluded by calling on families “to encourage children and young people to learn about and join the Junior and Cadet Schools,” pointing out that “civil protection is also built through education, close ties and the involvement of younger generations.”
July 13, 2026 Regional Government boosts investment in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools with an unprecedented training programme for instructors in the Region The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), organised a Training Course for Instructors of Junior and Cadet Fire School (EIC) in partnership with the National Fire Service School (ENB), which is being held for the first time in the Azores. The training took place between 9 and 11 at the headquarters of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters on the island of São Miguel. It was conducted by ENB instructors and attended by 17 trainees, including a member of SRPCBA and members of various regional fire departments. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, Alonso Miguel, observed the proceedings this Friday, stating that “the course is intended to strengthen the educational, technical and civic skills of those responsible for supervising the children and young people attending these schools.” The government official emphasised that this training programme “marks an important milestone in the consolidation of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, boosting the fire services’ ability to carry out structured, safe and educationally appropriate work with younger generations.” During the visit, Alonso Miguel, who was accompanied by the President of SRPCBA, Rui Andrade, emphasised that this training represents “another significant contribution to the strategy for consolidating and expanding Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, at a time when the project is experiencing a strong growth.” “In 2023, there were seven active Junior and Cadet Schools and 167 children and young people enrolled. Currently, the Region has 11 active schools and 304 participants. This means that there has been a very significant increase in less than three years – over 57% in the number of schools and 82% in the number of enrolments,” he said. For the Regional Secretary, this development demonstrates that “the Azorean Government’s commitment to Junior and Cadet Schools is yielding tangible results, bringing children and young people closer to the fire service, civil protection and volunteering.” Alonso Miguel pointed out that the Regional Government had approved the Regulations on Support for the Establishment and Promotion of Junior and Cadet Fire Schools, “a pioneering and innovative instrument at a national level.” It provides, amongst other measures, for an annual allocation of €40 per Junior or Cadet, intended to cover the cost of uniforms, and an annual grant of €300 per school to support the implementation of its activities programme. “This support measure has created better conditions for the opening, operation and development of these schools. We intend to continue consolidating and expanding this project, ensuring greater participation, better training and an ever-stronger link between fire services and the communities they serve,” he said. According to the government official, “the support for these schools has been achieved in close collaboration with the Azores Fire Federation and regional humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters, as part of a joint effort aimed at consolidating, revitalising and expanding the project throughout the Region.” The Regional Secretary added that “the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools play a key role in promoting the values of citizenship, civil protection and community service. They are strategic in bringing children and young people closer to the fire service and in contributing to the future renewal and sustainability of this activity.” “Investing in Junior and Cadet Fire Schools is investing in the future of firefighters and the future of the regional civil protection system, as well as in the dissemination of values such as discipline, responsibility, team spirit, solidarity and a desire to serve,” he emphasised. Junior and Cadet Fire Schools are aimed at two age groups: juniors, aged between 6 and 13, whose training focuses on civic values, first aid and the basics of civil protection; and cadets, aged between 14 and 16, who are taught more advanced content, including subjects related to firefighting, rescue and other operational activities. There are currently 11 Junior and Cadet Fire Schools in the Azores, namely within the fire departments of Santa Maria, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Vila Franca do Campo, Povoação, Nordeste, Praia da Vitória, Calheta, São Roque do Pico, Faial and Santa Cruz das Flores. Alonso Miguel also thanked the National Fire Service School “for the willingness shown in providing this training, the SRPCBA for its initiative and commitment to driving the project forward, and trainees for their participation in the course and, above all, for the work carried out in operating the Junior and Cadet Fire Schools across the Region.” The government official concluded by calling on families “to encourage children and young people to learn about and join the Junior and Cadet Schools,” pointing out that “civil protection is also built through education, close ties and the involvement of younger generations.”
