João Azevêdo delivers over R$ 21 million in infrastructure and services during the Democratic Budget hearing in Sousa.

Governor João Azevêdo participated on Saturday afternoon (11) in the city of Sousa, headquarters of the 10th geoadministrative region, in the State Democratic Budget hearing, where he delivered benefits worth over R$ 21 million, accounted for the actions, and listened to the population's demands. The hearing took place at the gymnasium of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG) and gathered 3,000 people. Sports and leisure, public safety, and education were the priorities chosen in the hearing.

João Azevêdo spoke at the opening of the plenary about his satisfaction in returning once again to Sousa. "How good it is to come back here to dialogue, talk about public policy, and engage in the good politics of popular participation. The State Democratic Budget is more than just listening; it is about learning from the population, and that's what we also came here to do. The population brings their expectations so that we can plan the budget for the next year. We are here together with other powers, such as the legislative, as well as mayors and councilors, to work collectively for a better Paraíba, to change people's lives through serious policies. We are here today, mainly, to listen to the people who came here today to dialogue with the whole government present. In this government, we do not forget those who live in the countryside or in the city. We have the capacity to listen to all people, even all the criticisms that are also put forward here. This state makes us proud of all the public policies implemented. That's what motivates us, makes us proud," said João Azevêdo, also thanking all the partnerships with the Government.

At the opening ceremony, the governor signed service orders, including authorization for the renovation and expansion of the State School Antônio Gregório Lacerda, in São José da Lagoa Tapada, worth R$ 4.9 million; maintenance of schools in Vieirópolis - Maria Pinto Integral Citizen School (ECI), Antônia Maria da Anunciação School; maintenance of schools in Sousa - Chiquinho Cartaxo Technical School (ECIT) and Mestre Júlio Sarmento Integral Citizen School (ECI); signing of agreements for the acquisition of equipment, air conditioners; construction of a multi-sport gymnasium at the João Paulo Alexandre de Silveira State School, in Marizópolis, worth R$ 742 thousand;

He also signed a bidding order for the construction of the Lacen and Cedmex of Sousa - R$ 6.9 million; renovation of the Specialized Rehabilitation Center of Sousa - R$ 809 thousand.

João Azevêdo also made symbolic deliveries of the renovation of the 10th Health Region - R$ 271 thousand; equipment for the Regional Hospital Dep. Manoel Gonçalves de Abrantes, in Sousa - R$ 1.6 million; wet crossings in the municipalities of Nazarezinho and São José da Lagoa Tapada; desalination plant in Santa Cruz; distribution of fire fighting equipment to the Fire Department of the region, worth R$ 324 thousand; and to the Civil and Military Police, with investments of over R$ 520 thousand; and also signed a contract for the provision of technical assistance services to associations of farmers in the region.

Also through the "Empreender Paraíba" Microcredit Program, the governor allocated over R$ 600 thousand, benefiting around 70 micro-entrepreneurs in the region.

In the accountability, the manager presented investments made by the government throughout the region, totaling more than R$ 523.5 million, between the years 2023 and 2024.

Education, health, and public safety were the prioritized areas in the previous cycle. João Azevêdo presented the investments in these areas and highlighted that education received resources in the amount of R$ 52.6 million, health - R$ 247.1 million, and public safety, over R$ 6.5 million.

The Executive Secretary of the Democratic Budget, Júnior Caroé, thanked everyone for their presence and emphasized the participation of women. "We, who work for the Government of Paraíba, feel very honored to be here this afternoon to listen to the demands, requests, and dreams of the population of the nine municipalities that make up the region, so that we can plan the budget for 2025. I want to thank each person who came to dialogue and outline the best paths for the entire region," said Caroé, greeting all the Democratic Budget counselors present at the hearing.

The host mayor of the city of Sousa, Fabio Tayrone, spoke about the importance of another hearing in the "City of Smiles." "I want to welcome and express gratitude to the governor and his entire team for the work they do throughout Paraíba. It is an honor to receive all the authorities present here and the residents of this entire region. I have seen the Democratic Budget grow, bring people together to share their aspirations, and share with the governor is very important. I feel satisfied and happy about the progress of this instrument, and that is why I trust more and more that what the people want is really their dreams coming true," said the mayor.

Representing the Federal Chamber, Congressman Wilson Santiago, spoke about the importance of this moment. "It is a joy to be participating in the Democratic Budget where we witness the opportunity given to each citizen to suggest, demand, and claim what actually meets the demands of the communities themselves. I can only congratulate everyone in the government for the contribution made to the development of all of Paraíba. Everyone wins with all of this, it is the population," said the federal congressman.

The President of the Paraíba Legislative Assembly, Adriano Galdino, spoke about the importance of dialogue and the work that the legislative house has been doing to combat violence against women. "We are sharing this special moment here in Sousa because we believe in democracy, and the Democratic Budget is a reference for the whole of Brazil in this regard of popular participation. We are working in partnership with the government and ensuring administrative governability on this occasion. This is very important for the development of our Paraíba," said Adriano Galdino.

Also participating in the hearing were state deputies Wilson Filho and Chico Mendes; the chief of staff of the governor, Ronaldo Guerra; the state secretary of planning, budget, and management, Gilmar Martins, as well as the entire team of secretaries, advisors, mayors, and councilors.

Demands in the plenary - Carolina de Menezes, a resident of the city of Sousa, spoke on behalf of all mothers of atypical children in the region. "Today we come here on behalf of all mothers of atypical children because we believe in the Democratic Budget. We want to demand improvements for the treatment of our children. We ask for a grant agreement so that we can ensure more dignity for our autistic children," demanded the resident.

Another resident of the city of São José da Lagoa Tapada, Daniele Moraes, asked for improvements in infrastructure and regional culture. "We ask for more incentives in culture and leisure for the development and rescue of our youth, as well as the construction of a highway with asphalt