Reconocimiento a entidades del Tercer Sector en Lanzarote
The Cabildo de Lanzarote celebrated an endearing Recognition Ceremony on Thursday for the Social Third Sector Organizations and Entities of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, in appreciation of their commitment, collaborative spirit, and tireless work towards a fairer and more inclusive society.
The event, held at the Cabildo’s auditorium, brought together representatives from a total of 67 social organizations operating on both islands. Led by the island’s president, Oswaldo Betancort, and with the notable participation of the Welfare and Inclusion Councilor, Marci Acuña, the ceremony included the presentation of awards to all recognized organizations. Additionally, there was a special segment dedicated to the recent ONCE Canary Islands 2025 Solidarity Award granted to the Cabildo de Lanzarote in the Public Administration category for its island inclusion strategy under the motto "Lanzarote: the island of care."
During his speech, Oswaldo Betancort expressed how "behind every project, every aid, every gesture of support that you make possible, there is a life that changes, a family that breathes a sigh of relief, a renewed hope. You are the ones who give a human face to the cross-cutting social policies that we implement." Betancort also emphasized that the social model established by the institution he presides over "is here to stay" and will continue "working hand in hand with the Third Sector to build islands where equal opportunities and dignity are a reality for all."
On the other hand, Councilor Marci Acuña stated that this meeting serves to give visibility to associations that play a "crucial role" in promoting equal opportunities and providing daily service to around 1,500 individuals in Lanzarote and La Graciosa. Furthermore, the head of the Welfare and Inclusion Department at the Cabildo de Lanzarote wanted to involve the organizations in the prestigious distinction received by the Corporation through its ambitious social policies.
Major Milestones in Just Two Years
The event featured a video summary highlighting the main achievements over the past two years in social matters. These included signed social agreements to provide legal stability to organizations, numerous collaboration agreements, the establishment of a social support network, significant investments in socio-sanitary services, as well as the development of the Accessibility and Inclusion Strategy – encompassing 400 measures, many of which have already been implemented – and the implementation of the Active Aging Insular Plan, among other initiatives.
It is also worth noting the positive impact this joint work is having on society and its recognition as a model beyond the island. The ONCE Canary Islands 2025 Solidarity Award, given to the Cabildo de Lanzarote in the Public Administration category for its island inclusion strategy under the motto "Lanzarote: the island of care," is the result of networking as a strategic axis of the current insular inclusion model deployed by the Welfare and Inclusion Department.
Abel Herrera Fariña, President of the ONCE Territorial Council, expressed gratitude for the work being carried out by the Cabildo through the network created by the institution: "Lanzarote has a very powerful Third Sector, which serves as a reference," he said.
The award ceremony was one of the most significant moments of the day, with gifts containing a puzzle piece, "a puzzle that we all have to continue completing," as Oswaldo Betancort remarked. Betancort also extended special thanks for the work being carried out by both Councilor Marci Acuña – "an example of commitment to public management," he stated – and the staff of his department.
The meeting with the organizations was also attended by a broad institutional representation from the Cabildo, including Vice President María Jesús Tovar, and Councilors Aroa Revelo, Jesús Machín Tavío, Armando Santana, Nori Machín, and Domingo Cejas.
