The President of the Government highlighted the ability the Regions has always demonstrated to take up the responsibility of maintaining a social policy to support those who were in a more vulnerable situation, even before the difficult times of last years.
 
"At a time when we had to face so many great challenges, it is with pleasure that I see that we were able, as a Region, to maintain the policy and responsibility to help those who rely on our support," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke at the ceremony of laying the first stone of the Day and Night Centre of Nossa Senhora da Ajuda Social and Parish Centre in Bretanha, an investment over 500 thousand Euros that will also serve the neighbouring villages.
 
According to Vasco Cordeiro, this investment, with capacity to serve over 30 seniors, is another example of an effort that is not limited to infrastructures as it also comprises a series of social support measures.
 
In this context, the President of the Government pointed out the example of the Regional Pension Supplement - the so-called "little check" - which saw an increase of nearly 10 percent over this legislative period; it represents an annual support of 25 million Euros for 35 thousand seniors. Moreover, he mentioned the support for the purchase of medicines (COMPAMID), a measure that benefits over five thousand elderly people in the archipelago.
 
"We are talking about a responsibility that we did everything, within the reach of powers and possibilities, to meet the challenge of leaving no one behind," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
In his speech, the President of the Government also stressed that this solidarity-based Region can only be built based on Autonomy, which "allows us to decide and support the construction of this type of infrastructure and the implementation of measures such as the "little check" and COMPAMID throughout the archipelago to serve the Azorean people."
 
Vasco Cordeiro considered that the construction of Day and Night Centres in Ajuda da Bretanha carries a message of recognition towards those who, being at a stage of life with more experience, "deserve public acknowledgement for all they have given to the development of the Region, regardless of their tasks and professions."