One commune-level administration in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang is ‘Sharing the joy, together in happiness’ with newly married couples.

The program was first initiated by the People’s Committee in Hoa Nhon Commune, Hoa Vang Districtas a way to connect with its citizens.

On a recent morning, Nguyen Dinh Dong and his fiancée, Ngo Thi Thanh Thuy, arrived at the Hoa Nhon administration headquarters to register for a marriage license.

After completing the procedures, the couple was greeted and congratulated by the vice-chairman of the agency.

The official asked the couple to draw a card from the box he was holding.

“There will be a small gift from us to wish you lifelong happiness,” the official explained to the surprised couple.

Dong and Thuy’s gift was a night light presented to them in a gift box alongside a congratulations card and their marriage license.

According to Nguyen Tan Phat, chairman of the Hoa Nhon People’s Committee, the presents include useful household items, such as night lights, wall clocks, glasses, and bowls, all of which are paid for by a shared fund contributed by staff members of the administration.

The idea was inspired by a similar program, in which local officials send gifts to families who register for birth certificates as a way to welcome newborns into the world, Phat elaborated.

“It’s an opportunity for us to create a deeper connection with the local people. That’s the main reason why we came up with this new program for newlyweds,” the chairman continued.

An official of the Hoa Nhon administration hands flowers and a birth certificate to a resident and her baby at their home. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Caring for the people

The Hoa Nhon administration has also established multiple policies that reflect their sincere care for the community.

Most administrative procedures are finished within the same day.

If it takes longer, the requested paperwork is delivered directly to residents' homes at no added cost, sparing them the trouble of returning to the administration headquarters.

People can also arrange for appointments before arriving at the headquarters in order to save time and improve service quality.

The authority holds the contact details for over 3,000 residents from 15 villages in order to share important information and make announcements in an organized and time-effective manner.

Commune meetings are also convened after citizens are contacted via text message.

Most gatherings are aimed at collecting feedback and listening to the complaints and wishes of local people.

According to Vo Ngoc Dong, director of the Da Nang Department of Home Affairs, the Hoa Nhon administration has been pioneering this approach to government since 2014.

These approaches are very effective and could set an example for other localities in the city, Dong stated.

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