Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi destaca aumento do investimento e expansão da capacidade das respostas sociais
Mónica Seidi destaca aumento do investimento e expansão da capacidade das respostas sociais
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Estrada do Raminho excecionalmente reaberta à circulação, de forma condicionada, no período de 14 a 17 de fevereiro
Estrada do Raminho excecionalmente reaberta à circulação, de forma condicionada, no período de 14 a 17 de fevereiro
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Regional Government includes artisans in support measure for short-term artistic residencies aimed at young people
Regional Government includes artisans in support measure for short-term artistic residencies aimed at young people
Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública
Innovative solutions for Sugar Plant arise from exemplary participatory planning process
Innovative solutions for Sugar Plant arise from exemplary participatory planning process
Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026 Mónica Seidi destaca aumento do investimento e expansão da capacidade das respostas sociais A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, marcou hoje presença no I Encontro Nacional das Casas do Povo, que se realizou na Ribeira Grande, destacando o papel determinante destas instituições na coesão social e no apoio às comunidades. Na sua intervenção, a governante deixou uma mensagem de reconhecimento pelo trabalho desenvolvido diariamente pelas instituições do setor social, sublinhando o compromisso do Governo Regional dos Açores em continuar a apoiar projetos inovadores que façam a diferença na vida dos açorianos, em especial dos mais vulneráveis. Mónica Seidi apresentou indicadores que demonstram o crescimento e a consolidação da rede social na Região. O número de respostas sociais mantém-se globalmente estável, contando atualmente com 715. Contudo, registou-se um aumento significativo da capacidade instalada e da frequência de beneficiários: em 2024 existiam 34.881 lugares disponíveis, mais 556 do que em 2020, e 25.848 beneficiários a frequentar respostas sociais, o que representa um acréscimo de 1.474 pessoas. Na área da infância e juventude, que representa 45% das respostas sociais, verificou-se igualmente um reforço expressivo: mais oito respostas sociais, mais 946 lugares disponíveis e mais 1.792 crianças a beneficiar destes serviços face a 2020. “Estes números comprovam que estamos a chegar a mais açorianos e a apoiar quem mais precisa”, sublinhou a responsável pela tutela. Para a Secretária Regional, este crescimento está associado também a um aumento significativo do investimento público, uma vez que o valor aplicado em contratos de cooperação para o funcionamento das respostas sociais passou de 96,3 milhões de euros, em 2020, para 130,7 milhões de euros, em 2024, o que representa um crescimento de 48,2%. A governante destacou ainda o peso das Casas do Povo no setor social regional, presentes em seis das nove ilhas dos Açores, representando 131 respostas sociais e abrangendo, em 2025, 4.170 beneficiários. No ano de 2025, o investimento destinado às Casas do Povo, no âmbito dos CCVC e dos acordos de cooperação na área da inclusão, ultrapassou os 10 milhões de euros. “É tempo de refletir, valorizar o que correu bem e corrigir o que pode ser melhorado. O trabalho em rede, com o Instituto da Segurança Social dos Açores como motor estruturante, deverá evoluir numa lógica de otimização de recursos, sustentabilidade e reforço da qualidade dos serviços prestados”, afirmou Mónica Seidi, apelando, por fim, à corresponsabilização coletiva de todos os parceiros e defendendo que só com empenho conjunto será possível melhorar a resposta individual aos beneficiários do setor social na Região.
February 7, 2026 Mónica Seidi destaca aumento do investimento e expansão da capacidade das respostas sociais A Secretária Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social, Mónica Seidi, marcou hoje presença no I Encontro Nacional das Casas do Povo, que se realizou na Ribeira Grande, destacando o papel determinante destas instituições na coesão social e no apoio às comunidades. Na sua intervenção, a governante deixou uma mensagem de reconhecimento pelo trabalho desenvolvido diariamente pelas instituições do setor social, sublinhando o compromisso do Governo Regional dos Açores em continuar a apoiar projetos inovadores que façam a diferença na vida dos açorianos, em especial dos mais vulneráveis. Mónica Seidi apresentou indicadores que demonstram o crescimento e a consolidação da rede social na Região. O número de respostas sociais mantém-se globalmente estável, contando atualmente com 715. Contudo, registou-se um aumento significativo da capacidade instalada e da frequência de beneficiários: em 2024 existiam 34.881 lugares disponíveis, mais 556 do que em 2020, e 25.848 beneficiários a frequentar respostas sociais, o que representa um acréscimo de 1.474 pessoas. Na área da infância e juventude, que representa 45% das respostas sociais, verificou-se igualmente um reforço expressivo: mais oito respostas sociais, mais 946 lugares disponíveis e mais 1.792 crianças a beneficiar destes serviços face a 2020. “Estes números comprovam que estamos a chegar a mais açorianos e a apoiar quem mais precisa”, sublinhou a responsável pela tutela. Para a Secretária Regional, este crescimento está associado também a um aumento significativo do investimento público, uma vez que o valor aplicado em contratos de cooperação para o funcionamento das respostas sociais passou de 96,3 milhões de euros, em 2020, para 130,7 milhões de euros, em 2024, o que representa um crescimento de 48,2%. A governante destacou ainda o peso das Casas do Povo no setor social regional, presentes em seis das nove ilhas dos Açores, representando 131 respostas sociais e abrangendo, em 2025, 4.170 beneficiários. No ano de 2025, o investimento destinado às Casas do Povo, no âmbito dos CCVC e dos acordos de cooperação na área da inclusão, ultrapassou os 10 milhões de euros. “É tempo de refletir, valorizar o que correu bem e corrigir o que pode ser melhorado. O trabalho em rede, com o Instituto da Segurança Social dos Açores como motor estruturante, deverá evoluir numa lógica de otimização de recursos, sustentabilidade e reforço da qualidade dos serviços prestados”, afirmou Mónica Seidi, apelando, por fim, à corresponsabilização coletiva de todos os parceiros e defendendo que só com empenho conjunto será possível melhorar a resposta individual aos beneficiários do setor social na Região.
Nota de Imprensa
February 7, 2026 Estrada do Raminho excecionalmente reaberta à circulação, de forma condicionada, no período de 14 a 17 de fevereiro A Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas informa que, de forma excecional, a Estrada Regional do Raminho, na ilha Terceira, será reaberta à circulação de 14 a 17 de fevereiro, atendendo ao período festivo do Carnaval e à relevância de várias manifestações culturais características desse período. A circulação automóvel será condicionada a um limite de velocidade de 20 km/hora, visando exclusivamente garantir a segurança de todos os automobilistas, uma vez que a intervenção no piso desta via ainda não está concluída. Após uma vistoria por parte de técnicos da Direção Regional das Obras Públicas, foi identificada a oportunidade para esta abertura excecional, uma vez que está garantida a estabilização do talude e estão criadas as condições de segurança que viabilizam a circulação no período festivo. A intervenção ao longo da estrada entre as freguesias da Serreta e do Raminho, no concelho de Angra do Heroísmo, representa um investimento superior a 2,3 milhões de euros (IVA incluído) e estima-se que esteja concluída no próximo mês de março. Compreendendo uma extensão de cerca de 500 metros, visa resolver definitivamente a instabilidade do talude, criando um novo sistema de drenagem e aumentando segurança da via.
February 7, 2026 Estrada do Raminho excecionalmente reaberta à circulação, de forma condicionada, no período de 14 a 17 de fevereiro A Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas informa que, de forma excecional, a Estrada Regional do Raminho, na ilha Terceira, será reaberta à circulação de 14 a 17 de fevereiro, atendendo ao período festivo do Carnaval e à relevância de várias manifestações culturais características desse período. A circulação automóvel será condicionada a um limite de velocidade de 20 km/hora, visando exclusivamente garantir a segurança de todos os automobilistas, uma vez que a intervenção no piso desta via ainda não está concluída. Após uma vistoria por parte de técnicos da Direção Regional das Obras Públicas, foi identificada a oportunidade para esta abertura excecional, uma vez que está garantida a estabilização do talude e estão criadas as condições de segurança que viabilizam a circulação no período festivo. A intervenção ao longo da estrada entre as freguesias da Serreta e do Raminho, no concelho de Angra do Heroísmo, representa um investimento superior a 2,3 milhões de euros (IVA incluído) e estima-se que esteja concluída no próximo mês de março. Compreendendo uma extensão de cerca de 500 metros, visa resolver definitivamente a instabilidade do talude, criando um novo sistema de drenagem e aumentando segurança da via.
Nota de Imprensa
February 6, 2026 Regional Government includes artisans in support measure for short-term artistic residencies aimed at young people The application period for REART – Short-Term Artistic Residencies, implemented by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ), under AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent, is open until February 28. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt. Private non-profit organisations and artisans certified by the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA) are eligible to apply, as announced on Thursday at a session for artisans promoted by DRJ in partnership with CADA, which took place at the "Azores in a Box" space in Portas do Mar, Ponta Delgada. The event was broadcast online to all the islands. The projects, to be carried out between April 1 and November 30, 2026, must have a minimum duration of three days and a maximum of five days. They should also involve up to three young people, aged 18 to 30, for each approved and supported residency project. Under the terms of the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published in the Official Journal, a maximum of 10 projects will be approved this year. Each project can receive funding of up to €1,500 (€100/day per participant). The REART measure aims to promote and stimulate opportunities for young people residing in the Azores to develop skills in different creative areas, exchange and assimilate cultural and artistic experiences, particularly with Azorean artisans and their craftsmanship, and publicly present the results of the creative process to the local community. Created in March 2023 by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government, the AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent seeks to promote creative areas among young people by fostering favourable conditions for the artistic and cultural promotion of young people, as well as encouraging their cultural participation, entrepreneurship and initiative. The programme also includes the START measures, with applications open until February 28, and IMPACT, with applications open until March 31, both at juventude.azores.gov.pt.
February 6, 2026 Regional Government includes artisans in support measure for short-term artistic residencies aimed at young people The application period for REART – Short-Term Artistic Residencies, implemented by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth (DRJ), under AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent, is open until February 28. Applications must be submitted on the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt. Private non-profit organisations and artisans certified by the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA) are eligible to apply, as announced on Thursday at a session for artisans promoted by DRJ in partnership with CADA, which took place at the "Azores in a Box" space in Portas do Mar, Ponta Delgada. The event was broadcast online to all the islands. The projects, to be carried out between April 1 and November 30, 2026, must have a minimum duration of three days and a maximum of five days. They should also involve up to three young people, aged 18 to 30, for each approved and supported residency project. Under the terms of the Order issued by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published in the Official Journal, a maximum of 10 projects will be approved this year. Each project can receive funding of up to €1,500 (€100/day per participant). The REART measure aims to promote and stimulate opportunities for young people residing in the Azores to develop skills in different creative areas, exchange and assimilate cultural and artistic experiences, particularly with Azorean artisans and their craftsmanship, and publicly present the results of the creative process to the local community. Created in March 2023 by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government, the AECT – Support Programme for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Young Talent seeks to promote creative areas among young people by fostering favourable conditions for the artistic and cultural promotion of young people, as well as encouraging their cultural participation, entrepreneurship and initiative. The programme also includes the START measures, with applications open until February 28, and IMPACT, with applications open until March 31, both at juventude.azores.gov.pt.
Nota de Imprensa
February 6, 2026 Innovative solutions for Sugar Plant arise from exemplary participatory planning process The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association presented this Thursday the guiding proposal for the intervention and redevelopment of the former sugar factory at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. This proposal is part of a participatory planning process involving the community, the working committee set up for this purpose, and various researchers and experts. During the session, the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, emphasised that "the significance of SINAGA and the Sugar Plant goes far beyond the physical aspects of their material heritage," as they are "a historical and identity landmark for the Azores." The government official also highlighted the unprecedented nature of the process, governed by the Cooperation Protocol signed with the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association, noting that it was "an example of participation and citizenship in public heritage redevelopment," marked by a "participatory, professional and transparent" approach. Duarte Freitas thanked the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association and the Working Committee responsible for the report now presented, as well as the experts, researchers and participants in the various public events. He emphasised that the mobilisation seen during the visit and public debate on March 22, 2025, as well as in the public consultation, "are clear signs that we have taken the right path," he stressed. With the presentation of this guiding document, the Regional Government will move forward in the coming months with the necessary work to launch an innovative tender procedure for the intervention and redevelopment of the Sugar Plant, maintaining coordination with the municipality of Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary stated that a single procedure is planned to promote the design, construction and concession of the spaces, without excluding, given the size of the area, other solutions for specific plots. The aim is to "renovate spaces, livable spaces, useful spaces and true levers of development’ on more than five hectares located in the centre of Ponta Delgada, which will benefit the municipality, the island of São Miguel and the Region. The report can be consulted at Documents | Sinaga - Architectural Intervention.
February 6, 2026 Innovative solutions for Sugar Plant arise from exemplary participatory planning process The Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association presented this Thursday the guiding proposal for the intervention and redevelopment of the former sugar factory at the Teatro Micaelense in Ponta Delgada. This proposal is part of a participatory planning process involving the community, the working committee set up for this purpose, and various researchers and experts. During the session, the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, emphasised that "the significance of SINAGA and the Sugar Plant goes far beyond the physical aspects of their material heritage," as they are "a historical and identity landmark for the Azores." The government official also highlighted the unprecedented nature of the process, governed by the Cooperation Protocol signed with the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association, noting that it was "an example of participation and citizenship in public heritage redevelopment," marked by a "participatory, professional and transparent" approach. Duarte Freitas thanked the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Architects' Association and the Working Committee responsible for the report now presented, as well as the experts, researchers and participants in the various public events. He emphasised that the mobilisation seen during the visit and public debate on March 22, 2025, as well as in the public consultation, "are clear signs that we have taken the right path," he stressed. With the presentation of this guiding document, the Regional Government will move forward in the coming months with the necessary work to launch an innovative tender procedure for the intervention and redevelopment of the Sugar Plant, maintaining coordination with the municipality of Ponta Delgada. The Regional Secretary stated that a single procedure is planned to promote the design, construction and concession of the spaces, without excluding, given the size of the area, other solutions for specific plots. The aim is to "renovate spaces, livable spaces, useful spaces and true levers of development’ on more than five hectares located in the centre of Ponta Delgada, which will benefit the municipality, the island of São Miguel and the Region. The report can be consulted at Documents | Sinaga - Architectural Intervention.
Nota de Imprensa
February 5, 2026 Seabird strandings closely monitored by Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries The occurrence of stranded seabirds observed on several islands in the Azores due to adverse weather conditions is being closely monitored by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), the environmental authority for the marine environment in the Region. To date, more than 80 little auk (Alle alle) strandings have been recorded. Despite wintering in Azorean waters, this species is rarely observed on land under normal conditions. These episodes are usually associated with periods of bad weather and have also been documented in other North Atlantic regions. The recording of these occurrences is due to the coordinated work of nature rangers from the Environmental and Climate Action Services, birdwatchers, non-governmental organisations and island delegations of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, who have played a key role in detecting, reporting and monitoring these situations. So far, seven specimens have been registered on the island of Flores, nine on the island of Graciosa, 55 on the island of Faial, 16 on the island of Pico and two on the island of Terceira. Most birds were already dead or near death, showing signs of extreme exhaustion and disorientation, unable to return to the sea. Among the incidents recorded, five birds were assessed and given veterinary care, with the intervention of CERAS (Wild Bird Recovery Centre) in Pico, the veterinarian from the Lajes das Flores Municipal Council and the local Agrarian Development Service. One bird was successfully recovered and released on the island of Flores. The DRPM calls on the population to cooperate in the following manner whenever a stranded seabird is found: Do not touch or collect it; If found alive, avoid handling it and causing additional stress; The incident should be promptly reported to the environmental authorities or the competent services of the respective island, via the SOS Environment hotline (+351 800 292 800). The systematic monitoring and tracking of episodes such as these by the authorities is essential for assessing the impact of extreme weather events on marine biodiversity, thereby contributing to better management and conservation of the Azores' ecosystems.
February 5, 2026 Seabird strandings closely monitored by Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries The occurrence of stranded seabirds observed on several islands in the Azores due to adverse weather conditions is being closely monitored by the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), the environmental authority for the marine environment in the Region. To date, more than 80 little auk (Alle alle) strandings have been recorded. Despite wintering in Azorean waters, this species is rarely observed on land under normal conditions. These episodes are usually associated with periods of bad weather and have also been documented in other North Atlantic regions. The recording of these occurrences is due to the coordinated work of nature rangers from the Environmental and Climate Action Services, birdwatchers, non-governmental organisations and island delegations of the Regional Secretariat for the Sea and Fisheries, who have played a key role in detecting, reporting and monitoring these situations. So far, seven specimens have been registered on the island of Flores, nine on the island of Graciosa, 55 on the island of Faial, 16 on the island of Pico and two on the island of Terceira. Most birds were already dead or near death, showing signs of extreme exhaustion and disorientation, unable to return to the sea. Among the incidents recorded, five birds were assessed and given veterinary care, with the intervention of CERAS (Wild Bird Recovery Centre) in Pico, the veterinarian from the Lajes das Flores Municipal Council and the local Agrarian Development Service. One bird was successfully recovered and released on the island of Flores. The DRPM calls on the population to cooperate in the following manner whenever a stranded seabird is found: Do not touch or collect it; If found alive, avoid handling it and causing additional stress; The incident should be promptly reported to the environmental authorities or the competent services of the respective island, via the SOS Environment hotline (+351 800 292 800). The systematic monitoring and tracking of episodes such as these by the authorities is essential for assessing the impact of extreme weather events on marine biodiversity, thereby contributing to better management and conservation of the Azores' ecosystems.
