The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works stated on São Miguel that the Government of the Azores will join the philharmonic bands of archipelago, "acknowledging what we do best" in the Region.
 
"It did so in the past and we made the commitment that we will certainly do it in the future, because we believe that we should be on the side of those who do good and who constantly seeks to do better," assured Vítor Fraga.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke Saturday at the opening of the celebrations of the 154th anniversary of Fundação Brasileira Band of Mosteiros. He stressed that the constant demand to do better "is a significant milestone of the Management Bodies and Fundação Brasileira, which has been observed during these times."
 
"Philharmonic bands are fundamental in our Region," Vítor Fraga said, adding that "they represent what our culture is and play a key social role."
 
"Embodied in music, through the spirit of philharmonic bands," Azorean culture "crosses the Atlantic and goes to the Diaspora, bringing all these values that are instilled by our philharmonic bands in all villages of our Region."
 
The Regional Secretary stressed that Fundação Brasileira "is an example to be followed by other institutions and in our lives, because it is this determination that characterises us as a people and we must continue building our path."
 
In his speech, Vítor Fraga pointed out that Fundação Brasileira is the oldest philharmonic band in the municipality of Ponta Delgada and one with the greatest capacity to innovate and surprise people, as evidenced by the numerous initiatives that have been developed by this institution for the first time.
 
As an example of this dynamics, he pointed out the Marés Festival, held for the first time in 2016. This event demonstrated "the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of these people in the fulfilment of their dreams."
 
Vítor Fraga pointed out that this "was not a festival like the others," stressing that it was, above all, a festival "organised with an immense passion to do good, a huge passion to do more and an immense passion to do better than the band had ever done before."
 
The Regional Secretary congratulated Fundação Brasileira and wished every success to the institution. "We are certain that this success is synonymous with hard work and that the historical past, being very important, only assures us that we have a future ahead of us to build more and always better for the sake of our people and our community."