187.º Aniversário do Concelho da Povoação

Povoação Celebrates 187 Years of History with Tributes to AzorDuarte, Gil Borges, and Ângelo Furtado The main hall of the Povoação Town Hall was dressed in gala attire on July 3rd to mark the 187th anniversary of Povoação's elevation to municipality status. The commemorative solemn session was marked by the public recognition of two citizens and a local company that, over the years, have become pillars of the municipality's economic, social, and institutional development. Before a packed audience—which included government representatives, civil, military, and religious entities, mayors, and the general public—it was recalled that Povoação's progress is written daily through the dedication and work of those who serve the land. The distinctions, unanimously approved at a council meeting on June 23rd, served precisely to exalt these exemplary life paths. Business Merit Award: AzorDuarte, Lda. In the economic sector, the Business Merit Award was given to AzorDuarte, Lda., a company founded in 2018 by brothers Gualter and Fábio Duarte. Operating in the trade of hardware, construction materials, household appliances, furniture, and renewable energy, the company has experienced sustained growth. Currently employing around twenty people, AzorDuarte has established itself as an essential driver of the local economy, now seeing the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders recognized. Honorary Citizens: Paths of Community Dedication The municipality also granted the prestigious title of Honorary Citizen to two key figures in the municipality: • Dr. Gil Alberto Medeiros Borges: A native of Furnas, this well-known doctor has dedicated himself to the health of the population of Povoação since 1982. Throughout his more than four decades of career, he chaired the Board of Directors of the Povoação Health Center, leading its reform and expansion. At the same time, he has had a strong civic and political presence, having served as a member of the Regional Legislative Assembly, a city councilor, and currently as a member of the Municipal Assembly. • Ângelo Medeiros Furtado: Current Head of the Administrative and Financial Division of the municipality, he completes half a century (50 years) of exemplary public service, which began in 1976. In addition to his recognized competence and support for the parish councils, Ângelo Furtado's name is inextricably linked to local associations: he is a founding member of the Povoação Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association (where he chairs the General Assembly) and served as the Provider of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Povoação for 16 years. The celebration of this 187th anniversary was therefore established not only as a moment of pride and remembrance of the history and identity of Povoação, but also as a vote of praise to those who continue to build the future of the municipality.