A meaningful milestone

On July 2, Mạnh Cường and Thùy Linh experienced an unforgettable moment when the People’s Committee of Na Sang commune organized a formal marriage certificate presentation ceremony for them. After completing all legal registration procedures, the chairman of the commune personally handed the certificate to the young couple. Holding the paper, complete with official signatures and the scent of fresh ink, in a solemn hall before their families and local officials, both Cường and Linh were visibly moved.

Linh shared that she and her husband had carefully prepared for the occasion, both mentally and in appearance, wanting to make it a beautiful memory and a meaningful start to their marriage. They wore traditional red “áo dài” (Vietnamese traditional long dress) as a symbolic gesture of commitment and respect.

“Like many couples before us, we never expected the certificate to be presented so formally. When we received the notification from the commune officials, we were truly surprised, nervous but deeply happy. It wasn’t just about a piece of paper. The way it was presented showed us how much the authorities care, and it made us realize the value and importance of marriage. It’s a memory we will treasure, a reminder to always nurture and protect our family happiness,” said Linh with emotion.

For another couple, Lò Thị Thanh Xuân of Tuần Giáo commune and Lường Văn Nghĩa of Mường Ảng commune, the ceremony also came as a pleasant surprise. Like others, they came to the Mường Ảng commune’s Public Administration Service Center to complete their marriage registration. After quickly finishing the paperwork with the help of dedicated staff, they were invited to attend a formal presentation ceremony.

During the event, the local leadership didn’t just hand them the certificate; they also provided essential information and advice on marriage and family law, as well as skills for building a healthy relationship, practical knowledge that serves as a foundation for their new life together.

“Government doors never closed”

This kind of thoughtful service isn’t limited to newlyweds. Local People’s Committees have also begun organizing formal ceremonies for birth certificate issuance. Many commune-level administrative centers now have designated ceremonial areas, complete with backdrops and banners, ready to honor these life milestones.

Nguyễn Hồng Cường, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee and Director of the Chiềng Sinh commune’s Public Administrative Service Center, shared that under the new model of “open government doors” and a vision of building a “friendly government in service of the people,” the center has made major improvements, not just in administrative processes but also in its approach to public service. Activities like formal certificate presentations are being well received and supported by the community.

From July 1 to the present, the Chiềng Sinh commune’s Public Administrative Service Center has processed more than 350 administrative applications, with 321 of those related to civil status and received online. All were resolved on time. Notably, the center sent congratulatory letters and held marriage certificate ceremonies for 13 couples and presented birth certificates to 24 newborns.

Traditionally, marriage and birth registration were viewed as ordinary procedures, a brief exchange between citizens and judicial officers. People would submit the paperwork, receive the document, and leave. Many couples didn’t think much of it, and in remote areas, some delayed registration until they needed a birth certificate for their child. Some married, separated, and never even completed the registration, leading to complications later in court.

Yet marriage is a crucial life event, protected and respected by both the State and society. That’s why these formal ceremonies are more than symbolic, they elevate the meaning of family, foster legal awareness, and help combat issues like underage marriage, especially among ethnic communities in remote areas.

More importantly, they exemplify a “friendly government” model, bringing public administration closer to the people in both spirit and action.

Serving with heart and humanity

This initiative aligns with the 13th Party Congress Resolution, which emphasizes the motto: “The people know, the people discuss, the people do, the people inspect, the people supervise, the people benefit.” Since July 1, the Grassroots Democracy Law has come into effect, reinforcing citizens’ right to benefit from government services. Currently, 45 communes and wards in Điện Biên have implemented the friendly government model, ensuring that local governance reflects the values of accessibility, respect, and community support.

The model is built on three core pillars: friendly governance, a civilized public office environment, and approachable officials. Thousands of public servants, as the face of local government, have committed time and effort to transforming the public’s experience, from external appearance to meaningful service delivery.

All civil servants are expected to uphold the principles of the “Four Requests” (greet, apologize, thank, and ask permission), the “Four Always” (smile, be gentle, listen, help), and the “Five Nevers” (no abuse of power, no bureaucracy or indifference, no corruption or waste, no flattery or deceit, no misuse of authority).

Many public service centers now operate with a “work until the job is done” mindset, rather than strict office hours. For example, Mường Ảng commune recently announced that its administrative center would remain open every day, without weekends off, to meet the urgent needs of students requiring document authentication ahead of university enrollment.

While such changes may seem minor, they reflect a major shift in attitude, toward a government that truly serves its people. A "friendly government" doesn’t have to begin with grand gestures; it starts with the smallest actions and keeps its doors open to everyone.