The President of the Government revealed today that over 70 percent of Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) in the Azores have signed new funding agreements with the Government, which has reinforced the allocation of funds to this area.

"In fact, the Government has strengthened the funds available for the signing of contracts with IPSS, which will increase from 52 million to 53.6 million Euros," said Vasco Vasco Cordeiro to journalists. The government official spoke on the sidelines of the renewal and expansion works of the Elderly Home at "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Povoação on the island of São Miguel.

Hence, the Government expects to streamline this process. With regard to IPSS, over three quarters of the agreements have already been signed, which represents over 70 percent of "Santas Casas da Misericórdia," said Vasco Cordeiro.

In his speech, the President of the Government also pointed out that the 1.7 million Euro investment in the Home opened today is another demonstration of the Regional Government's political option of "leaving no one behind, especially those who are in a situation of greater fragility."

"In terms of infrastructures, the Government has taken the commitment to provide our elderly with the comfort and dignity they deserve at this stage of their lives on its own initiative or in partnership with other entities," mentioned Vasco Cordeiro.

Accordingly, the President of the Government announced that the Regional Public Works includes social investments_ the construction of Elderly Home in Pico da Pedra, the third phase of the works in the Elderly Home in Maia and the construction of a Day Centre in Bretanha.

During the opening of the works that have increased the Povoação Home's capacity from 20 to 40 senior citizens, Vasco Cordeiro stressed the political option of "leaving no one behind" is evidenced through a series of measures.

They include the Regional Pension Supplement, which has registered an overall increase of 20 percent of the initial amount and the support to the purchase of medicine.

"The Government cannot do everything, but there should be no doubt whatsoever that the Government is doing everything within its reach in a joint effort with IPSS," noted Vasco Cordeiro.