The Vice-President of the Government highlighted on Graciosa the role of the Participatory Budget of the Azores (OP Açores) in strengthening the "civic and active" participation of Azoreans, thus fostering the economic and social cohesion of the Region with benefits for local communities.
 
"In fact, it strengthens civic and active participation because this is not just a matter of giving voice to the Azoreans, it is a matter of give shape to their voice by implementing the most voted projects on each area and each island," said Sérgio Ávila.
 
The government official spoke Wednesday at the presentation of the project and the signing of the Partnership Agreement for the implementation of "Magic Farm," the winning proposal of 2018 edition of the Participatory Budget of the Azores on Graciosa Island in the area to be developed in the area of Social Inclusion. The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In his speech, Sérgio Ávila emphasised that the initiatives presented by the citizens aim, above all, to "strengthen the quality of democracy by involving the Azoreans in the decision-making process." According to him, "active and informed participation" stimulates citizenship and "economic and social cohesion," thereby contributing to the emergence of projects for the development of the Region."
 
The Vice-President defended that OP Açores should be "a real tool for the exercise of citizenship." In this context, he recalled that the financial allocation for the second edition, currently under way, increased to one million euros, in addition to including Culture as an eligible area and the possibility of presenting projects of regional scope. 
 
"The fact is that the response of Azorean citizens has been extremely positive, demonstrating that they are willing to respond when called to contribute to the development of their communities in the most diverse areas and in an active way," said Sérgio Ávila. The first edition of OP Açores involved about 1,500 Azoreans in the pre-proposal presentation phase of 324 investment initiatives.
 
As the Vice-President of the Government stressed, the initiative resulted in 124 final proposals put to a vote." Following the vote of almost 5,000 Azoreans, "29 winning projects are being implemented by the Regional Government in partnership with the most diverse entities," such as the case of the "Magic Farm" project.
 
Sérgio Ávila stated that this project, which provides for training in organic farming, is primarily aimed at young unemployed and other people facing difficulties in accessing the labour market. It will promote "the exchange of knowledge between generations" on traditional agriculture of the island Graciosa, "which is certainly one of the most important assets of this project."
 
The Vice-President of Government also highlighted "the involvement of a number of public and private entities from Graciosa in this project, a demonstration of citizenship that deserves the Government's public recognition for its commitment."