Phu Hoa: Closer to the people with the “Public Administration for the People” model

After nearly three months of implementation, the two-tier local government apparatus in Dong Nai has stabilized. In Phu Hoa commune, the “Public Administration for the People” model has led to positive changes and made a strong impression on residents in the locality.

Lieu Sy Long and Hoang Thi Minh Thu, a couple from Phu Hoa commune, Dong Nai province, were pleasantly surprised when, on the very day of their first son’s one-month celebration, they received his birth certificate from the local authorities, officially naming him Lieu Hy Cuong. Since Thu had not been able to register the birth and Long was working far from home, members of the “Public Administration for the People” working group in Phu Hoa commune came directly to their house to guide them through the birth registration process for Cuong.

“We were truly surprised and happy to receive help from the mobile working group of Phu Hoa commune. This experience will surely be a beautiful and unforgettable memory for our son. We will cherish this moment forever,” Liu Sy Long confided.

Nguyen Minh Thong, Deputy Director of the Phu Hoa Commune Public Administration Service Center, presents the birth certificate of baby Lieu Hy Cuong to the family. Photo: Van Doan

Also recently sharing double happiness were two young couples, Ho Chan Vo – Chenh My Hanh and Do Hong Khoa – Tran Thi Hien, both residing in Phu Hoa commune. With procedural support from local officials, they received their marriage certificates directly from Phu Hoa commune leaders at the commune’s Public Administration Service Center. The ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere, witnessed by family members from both sides.

Nguyen Thanh Tam, Vice Chairman of the Phu Hoa Commune People’s Committee, presents marriage certificates and extends congratulations to the young couples. Photo: Dang Hung

With the determination to build a “Government for the People” model, the Party Committee and People’s Committee of Phu Hoa commune have worked closely with the commune’s Public Administration Service Center to implement a variety of practical models suited to local characteristics. Among these, the commune has focused on promoting social resources through a public administration collaborator model. This team includes individuals with knowledge in law, public administration, and information technology; Youth Union members; experienced retired officials; as well as members of local associations and social organizations. With professional support from specialized units, Phu Hoa’s mobile working group has operated flexibly to meet the needs of residents in the locality effectively.

Lenh Linh Nhue, a resident of Phu Dien 3 hamlet, Phu Hoa commune, shared: “It takes me about 20 minutes by motorbike to get to the commune’s Public Administration Service Center. I’m elderly and have difficulty getting around, so local youth and police officers came to help me complete the procedures to receive my social allowance. The officials were helpful and friendly, and the paperwork was handled quickly and efficiently. I’m very happy.”

Residents living far from the commune center, the elderly, and vulnerable groups are given priority in handling administrative procedures at any time, even outside regular office hours. The working group also conducts surveys on citizen satisfaction and disseminates new policies to people.

“We are determined to maintain the ‘Friendly Government’ model, improving our capacity to serve people in handling administrative procedures, while strongly renewing our working style and methods. Step by step, we are building a team of commune-level officials and public servants with high responsibility and dedication to serving the people,” Vice Chairwoman of Phu Hoa Commune People's Committee Duong Thi Kim Phu emphasized.

The initial outcomes from the Phu Hoa Commune Public Administration Service Center clearly demonstrate a shift in mindset, from “management” to “service,” from strictly “following procedures” to “prioritizing citizen satisfaction.” This transformation has played a key role in the effective implementation of the two-tier local government model in Dong Nai.

By Hung Cat – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho