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Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island
José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island
Direção Regional da Saúde
Civil Protection organises TOURO25 drill in Faial with new format
Civil Protection organises TOURO25 drill in Faial with new format
Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas
Press release
Press release
March 2, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island
October 31, 2025
Civil Protection organises TOURO25 drill in Faial with new format
September 16, 2025
Press release
News
Nota de Imprensa
March 2, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island
The Azorean Government, chaired by José Manuel Bolieiro, began today its first statutory visit of 2026 on Pico Island. This three-day trip includes meetings with the island's three municipalities and the Pico Island Council to strengthen institutional ties and listen to local stakeholders. "The main goal is to renew dialogue with local authorities and stakeholders, to listen, analyse and build joint solutions," stated the head of the Azorean Government at the beginning of the visit, which began with a working meeting at the Lajes do Pico Town Hall. Among the topics discussed was the new Lajes do Pico Health Centre. The President of the Regional Government explained that the initial project was subject to technical assessment by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, and changes were deemed necessary to ensure greater functionality and efficiency. "I would like to present the project during this statutory visit. The first draft received proposals for changes, as it did not fully correspond to the more rational and effective perspective that we advocate. Our commitment is to ensure that this is done properly and within the timeframe that is now possible," he said, adding that the Government expects to present the architectural design by the end of the first half of 2026 and then proceed with the launch of the public procurement procedure for the completion of the work. The President of the Government recalled that, since the beginning of this term, the strategic option had been taken to construct a new building in partnership with the municipality, which is granting the land, emphasising that this solution aims to "serve the population well in accessing primary healthcare." In terms of accessibility, the situation of the regional road between Lajes do Pico and Piedade was under analysis, as it had been affected by landslides following excessive rainfall recorded at the beginning of the year. The Government promoted interventions to consolidate slopes, with the first one already validated by the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory. "We are awaiting verification of the second intervention. This is an important route for the municipality, and all decisions were made with people's safety as a priority," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, noting that the closure of the road was solely for safety reasons. Social issues were also addressed, namely the need to increase the capacity of daycare centres and free time occupation centres in the municipality. It was agreed to promote an adjustment of understandings between the Town Council, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores and the managing institution, with a view to increasing vacancies. In the fisheries sector, a technical and topographical survey is underway to find, in partnership with the local authority, a solution to improve the capacity of the Lajes do Pico fish processing facility and increase support for the local fishing community. Regarding cooperation with local authorities, particularly in the context of ARAAL contracts, José Manuel Bolieiro reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and rigour. "We have been cooperating with maximum transparency. Applications that have been duly submitted and are in compliance with the terms have been approved. When they are not submitted in accordance with the applicable terms, they cannot be considered," he clarified. The President of the Government also acknowledged the legitimacy of local demands, but stressed the need for responsible management of public resources. “I understand that people want more and want it as quickly as possible. However, we cannot do everything at once for everyone. We take action within the limits of our financial capabilities and the constraints of public procurement and the market itself,” he said. At the end of the meeting, the President of the Government assured that there was mutual understanding between the Azorean Government and the Municipality of Lajes do Pico, chaired by Ana Brum. "There is absolutely no negative discrimination. We seek to overcome partisan views in institutional relations. What matters is the Azores, and it is for the Azoreans that we work and to whom we are accountable," he concluded.
March 2, 2026
José Manuel Bolieiro begins statutory visit to Pico to listen, decide and move forward with structural projects for the island
The Azorean Government, chaired by José Manuel Bolieiro, began today its first statutory visit of 2026 on Pico Island. This three-day trip includes meetings with the island's three municipalities and the Pico Island Council to strengthen institutional ties and listen to local stakeholders. "The main goal is to renew dialogue with local authorities and stakeholders, to listen, analyse and build joint solutions," stated the head of the Azorean Government at the beginning of the visit, which began with a working meeting at the Lajes do Pico Town Hall. Among the topics discussed was the new Lajes do Pico Health Centre. The President of the Regional Government explained that the initial project was subject to technical assessment by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, and changes were deemed necessary to ensure greater functionality and efficiency. "I would like to present the project during this statutory visit. The first draft received proposals for changes, as it did not fully correspond to the more rational and effective perspective that we advocate. Our commitment is to ensure that this is done properly and within the timeframe that is now possible," he said, adding that the Government expects to present the architectural design by the end of the first half of 2026 and then proceed with the launch of the public procurement procedure for the completion of the work. The President of the Government recalled that, since the beginning of this term, the strategic option had been taken to construct a new building in partnership with the municipality, which is granting the land, emphasising that this solution aims to "serve the population well in accessing primary healthcare." In terms of accessibility, the situation of the regional road between Lajes do Pico and Piedade was under analysis, as it had been affected by landslides following excessive rainfall recorded at the beginning of the year. The Government promoted interventions to consolidate slopes, with the first one already validated by the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory. "We are awaiting verification of the second intervention. This is an important route for the municipality, and all decisions were made with people's safety as a priority," José Manuel Bolieiro stated, noting that the closure of the road was solely for safety reasons. Social issues were also addressed, namely the need to increase the capacity of daycare centres and free time occupation centres in the municipality. It was agreed to promote an adjustment of understandings between the Town Council, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores and the managing institution, with a view to increasing vacancies. In the fisheries sector, a technical and topographical survey is underway to find, in partnership with the local authority, a solution to improve the capacity of the Lajes do Pico fish processing facility and increase support for the local fishing community. Regarding cooperation with local authorities, particularly in the context of ARAAL contracts, José Manuel Bolieiro reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and rigour. "We have been cooperating with maximum transparency. Applications that have been duly submitted and are in compliance with the terms have been approved. When they are not submitted in accordance with the applicable terms, they cannot be considered," he clarified. The President of the Government also acknowledged the legitimacy of local demands, but stressed the need for responsible management of public resources. “I understand that people want more and want it as quickly as possible. However, we cannot do everything at once for everyone. We take action within the limits of our financial capabilities and the constraints of public procurement and the market itself,” he said. At the end of the meeting, the President of the Government assured that there was mutual understanding between the Azorean Government and the Municipality of Lajes do Pico, chaired by Ana Brum. "There is absolutely no negative discrimination. We seek to overcome partisan views in institutional relations. What matters is the Azores, and it is for the Azoreans that we work and to whom we are accountable," he concluded.
Nota de Imprensa
October 31, 2025
Civil Protection organises TOURO25 drill in Faial with new format
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), an entity under the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, will hold the TOURO25 drill on November 6 and 8 on the island of Faial. This year's edition will feature a new format. For the first time, TOURO25 will combine thematic workshops followed by LIVEX practical exercises (movement of resources in the field) and joint training actions, contributing to a more integrated approach between technical training and field operations. The new model is designed to include a more educational aspect in the drill. It will enable participants to consolidate their knowledge, learn procedures and acquire skills in emergencies, while testing the response and coordination capacity of various agents within the Civil Protection System of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This year's edition will take place in a scenario of adverse weather conditions, with intense and prolonged rainfall on the island of Faial, resulting in landslides. This situation will involve the evacuation of areas, multiple-victim accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials. In addition to SRPCBA, around 20 entities are expected to participate: the Fire Brigades from the islands of São Jorge, Pico and Faial; the Horta City Council; the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Health and Public Works; the Institute for Social Security of the Azores; the National Maritime Authority; the Azores Operational Command; the Portuguese Red Cross; the National Republican Guard; the Public Security Police; and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. The drill also features speakers from the Portuguese National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, the Lisbon Fire Brigade, the Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores and the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory, who will conduct themed workshops. TOURO is the largest regional civil protection drill organised by the SRPCBA.
October 31, 2025
Civil Protection organises TOURO25 drill in Faial with new format
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), an entity under the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, will hold the TOURO25 drill on November 6 and 8 on the island of Faial. This year's edition will feature a new format. For the first time, TOURO25 will combine thematic workshops followed by LIVEX practical exercises (movement of resources in the field) and joint training actions, contributing to a more integrated approach between technical training and field operations. The new model is designed to include a more educational aspect in the drill. It will enable participants to consolidate their knowledge, learn procedures and acquire skills in emergencies, while testing the response and coordination capacity of various agents within the Civil Protection System of the Autonomous Region of the Azores. This year's edition will take place in a scenario of adverse weather conditions, with intense and prolonged rainfall on the island of Faial, resulting in landslides. This situation will involve the evacuation of areas, multiple-victim accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials. In addition to SRPCBA, around 20 entities are expected to participate: the Fire Brigades from the islands of São Jorge, Pico and Faial; the Horta City Council; the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Health and Public Works; the Institute for Social Security of the Azores; the National Maritime Authority; the Azores Operational Command; the Portuguese Red Cross; the National Republican Guard; the Public Security Police; and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. The drill also features speakers from the Portuguese National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, the Lisbon Fire Brigade, the Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores and the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory, who will conduct themed workshops. TOURO is the largest regional civil protection drill organised by the SRPCBA.