The President of the Government stated today that the social support measures for the elderly, such as the Regional Pension Supplement and the support to the purchase of medicine, are also a way of demonstrating the solidarity of the Azores.

"Every day, we make an effort to be able to honour the legacy and heritage we received from more experienced generations. We are doing everything to enhance this legacy, but also recognising those who have contributed so much, throughout their lives, to the development of the Azores,” stressed Vasco Cordeiro.

The President of the Government spoke at a social gathering with about a thousand elderly attending "Casas do Povo" and Day Centre from several municipalities of São Miguel, an event promoted by the "Casa do Povo" of Arrifes. The government official stressed, in addition to the public investment in social support infrastructures for the elderly, several social measures implemented in the Region, pointing out of Regional Pension Supplement and the support to the purchase of Medicine (COMPAMID).

In 2015, the Pension Regional Supplement encompassed more than 35,000 senior citizens, amounting to 25 million Euros.

This measure has registered an increase in each year of the current legislative period: three percent in 2013, two percent in 2014, two percent in 2015 and also two percent this year.

Overall, this measure registered an increase of 10 percent during the current legislative period.

With regard to COMPAMID, which benefited about 4,000 seniors in 2015, it will be extended this year to the elderly who retired due to disability.

"We are talking about measures that are ours, of the Azores, which are a way of affirming ourselves as the united Region that we are", said Vasco Cordeiro, who also highlighted the existing partnerships between the Government and hundreds of institutions dedicated to social support on all the islands of the Azores.

"It is only fair to note the Government's recognition of this working partnership established with these institutions, not just the recognition of their governing bodies but also of the employees who are at the forefront of this work on a daily basis," said the President of the Government.