Policy on supporting caretakers of relic sites

For many years, the preservation and protection of historical–cultural relics and memorial sites for fallen soldiers across Dong Nai Province have relied on the quiet but vital contributions of those who directly care for these monuments.

Members of the Management Board of Hung Long Communal House (in Chon Thanh Ward, Dong Nai Province) visit and learn from the management experience at the Temple and Tomb of Nguyen Huu Canh. Photo: My Ny

Recognizing their special role, the Provincial People’s Council recently approved a resolution establishing a support policy for this group. The new policy demonstrates the attention and appreciation of the Party organization, government, and people of Dong Nai toward those who safeguard the heritages, helping them stay committed to their meaningful work.

Acknowledging the contribution of relic caretakers

Dong Nai currently has 120 ranked relic sites, including national special, national, and provincial-level sites, along with 155 memorial works honoring fallen soldiers and one cemetery for officials and people with meritorious service. Most of these sites are voluntarily cared for by local residents or community committees, who contribute to preserving, promoting, and spreading the values of heritage.

Nguyen Trung Cang, Head of the Ritual Committee at the Temple and Tomb of Nguyen Huu Canh (Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province), has been devoted to this work for many years. Despite his advanced age, he still regularly stays on-site - cleaning, offering incense, and guiding visitors who come to pay their respects. For him, looking after the temple is part of his bloodline duty, a responsibility passed down from generation to generation.

“For decades, I’ve regarded preserving and caring for the temple as a heartfelt duty of my family line to express gratitude to Lord Nguyen Huu Canh. Even without any allowance or policy, I and other members of the Ritual Committee have always done our best. Now that the State recognizes our efforts and introduces a support policy, we feel truly appreciated,” Cang shared emotionally.

Hung Long Communal House (in Chon Thanh Ward, Dong Nai Province) was ranked and recognized as a provincial-level historical–cultural relic by the former Binh Phuoc Provincial People’s Committee in 2004. Over the years, it has not only been a place of spiritual and cultural activity for local residents but also a “shared home” preserving traditional values and reflecting the national moral principle of “remembering the source when drinking water.” Notably, it hosts the Cau Bong Festival of the Kinh people, which has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Ngo Tan Bong, Head of the Hung Long Communal House Relic Management Board, has spent more than 14 years caring for the site and organizing its annual festivals. He shared that this work has always been purely voluntary, carried out by descendants of the area’s early settlers. Though no official support existed before, everyone shared the same wish that is to keep the communal house clean, dignified, and a living link to the cultural traditions of their ancestors. “We are delighted that the Provincial People’s Council has approved a support policy for caretakers of relic sites. It’s a great source of encouragement, giving us more motivation to continue protecting the heritage of our homeland,” Bong said.

The Provincial People’s Council has passed a Resolution on support levels for personnel and caretakers working at memorials for fallen soldiers, cemeteries for officials and people with meritorious service, and ranked relics within Dong Nai Province. The Resolution takes effect on October 3, 2025, ensuring the rights and strengthening the sense of responsibility among those who dedicate themselves to preserving and guarding these important cultural and historical sites

A humane and practical policy

According to Ngo Tan Bong, the Resolution of the 1st Congress of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee (2025–2030) identifies cultural development as equally important as economic development. Therefore, issuing a support policy for caretakers of relics and memorial works is a concrete step that reflects the spirit of “placing people at the center of cultural development.” These caretakers are indeed the “bridge” between the past and the present—those who keep local cultural heritage alive.

Under the newly approved Resolution, those working directly at memorials honoring fallen soldiers and ranked relics in the province will receive a monthly allowance commensurate with the nature, scale, and ranking level of each type of site. Specifically: For individuals working at memorial works and cemeteries for officials and people with meritorious service; Provincial-level sites: 3.5 million VND/person/month; Communal-level sites (with martyr cemeteries): 2.8 million VND/person/month; Communal-level sites (without martyr cemeteries): 1.9 million VND/person/month; For personnel directly caring for national special and national-level relics: 3.5 million VND/person/month; For provincial-level relics: 2.8 million VND/person/month. The funding will be allocated from the provincial budget according to the current fiscal decentralization system.

The introduction of this policy not only demonstrates the government’s responsibility in cultural heritage preservation but also acknowledges the long-term dedication of those quietly safeguarding Dong Nai’s heritage. It serves as a meaningful incentive for caretakers to remain committed to their roles, helping to spread the value of heritage, strengthen cultural identity, and nurture well-rounded, compassionate, and community-minded citizens of Dong Nai.

By My Ny – Translated by Trieu Ngan, Thu Ha