In recent years, the dynamic and evolving Binh Duong has witnessed significant changes in urban life. Many individuals have quietly worked to preserve and promote a cultural and civilized lifestyle. With a strong sense of responsibility, they serve as "small flames" that illuminate awareness, foster consensus, and build trust within the community.
When responsibility starts in every neighborhood
In Chanh Loc 3 quarter of Chanh My ward, Thu Dau Mot city, Mr. Dao Thanh Trung, Head of the quarter’s Management Board, is affectionately known by local residents as "the soul keeper of the green neighborhood." Through 52 consecutive "Civilized Saturday" campaigns, Mr. Trung and fellow officials, along with the local community, have not only organized environmental cleaning initiatives but have also skillfully encouraged residents to sweep in front of their homes every morning.
Beyond these daily efforts, Mr. Trung has collaborated with locals to concrete alleys, install 50 surveillance cameras, and maintain flower gardens and public spaces. The "Alley with Security and Environmental Surveillance Cameras" program has become a notable success, significantly contributing to the area’s safety and aesthetics. According to Mr. Trung, "Whatever you do must come from the heart. Clean roads make people’s hearts more open, and they can live together more harmoniously."
In Hung Loc quarter of Hung Dinh ward, Thuan An city, Mr. Tran Kim Sang, Head of the quarter Management Board, adopts an approach of "going to every alley, knocking on every door" to connect more closely with the people and promote the development of a cultural and civilized lifestyle in the area. This strategy has fostered a spirit of solidarity and volunteerism among the residents for various projects, including flagpoles, solar lighting systems, parks, and support for those in need.
Mr. Sang states, “We do not operate by orders, but by sharing. When people understand and believe in our vision, contributing labor and resources becomes effortless. The bright, clean, flower-filled streets that we see today are a result of that consensus."
In Binh Duc 2 quarter of Binh Hoa ward, Thuan An city, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thuy, Head of local Red Cross Association, focuses on making contributions through small, everyday actions. She and her team regularly hold "Civilized Saturday" campaigns, which include reminding residents not to encroach upon sidewalks, removing illegal advertisements, and planting flowers along the streets. Notably, Ms. Thuy takes a gentle approach, motivating her neighbors through persuasion and dialogue rather than imposition. To her, every citizen represents a potential "seed" of civilized living that can flourish with nurturing care.
In Binh Phuoc quarter of Binh Nham ward, Thuan An city, Mr. Tran Van Hai is admired for his tireless and diligent work ethic. He is actively involved in every initiative aimed at protecting the urban landscape, planting flowers, removing illegal advertisements, and widening alleys. Recently, Mr. Hai and the residents have organized numerous clean-up campaigns, planting flowers on streets such as Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Nham 61, Binh Nham 63, and Nguyen Van Long, while also taking down illegal billboards on electric poles and fences. Additionally, he has mobilized the community to contribute to the construction, upgrading, and expansion of rural roads and the dredging of local canals.
When "public work" becomes "individual pleasure"
In Thang Loi 2 Quarter (Di An Ward, Di An City), Mr. To Thanh Tai has established a series of practical models, including a self-management environmental protection team, a night patrol team, and an anti-illegal advertising team. Through his methodical organization, Mr. Tai has not only contributed to maintaining order but has also raised awareness that "each citizen is a link in a civilized urban chain." Many households in the area actively contribute to initiatives such as installing cameras, painting electric poles, building roads, and improving drainage systems. As a result, a strong atmosphere of solidarity has developed within the community. Mr. Tai emphasizes, “We do not chase after superficial appearances. What matters is how to ensure sustainability so that a civilized lifestyle becomes a habit.”
Another noteworthy individual is Mr. Lu Van Muong, Head of Executive Board of Quarter 1 (Tan Dinh Ward, Ben Cat City). In addition to promoting and organizing the "Civilized Saturday" project each week and month, Mr. Muong has successfully mobilized residents to construct two roads with a budget exceeding one billion VND, entirely funded by voluntary contributions. His focus goes beyond infrastructure; he also addresses security and order through nail suction truck models and night patrol teams. His every action aims to create a peaceful neighborhood where residents can live harmoniously.
While not holding any official position, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, a resident of Tan Hoa Quarter (Tan Vinh Hiep Ward, Tan Uyen City), is recognized as a "shining example" of community involvement. He has voluntarily donated hundreds of millions of VND for the restoration of communal houses, road construction, flagpole installation, and support for families with meritorious services. Mr. Binh has also been a pioneer in advocating for land donations and clearance to build civil infrastructure. He shares, “I simply think that if the place where I live is clean, beautiful, and safe, my children and grandchildren will benefit first.”
The individuals highlighted in this article represent the "cultural cores" that are quietly transforming Binh Duong City. From clean streets and lined trees to bright lights and self-management models, these improvements stem from community engagement and civic responsibility. These exemplary figures in promoting a cultural and civilized lifestyle have contributed to creating a city that is not only clean and civilized but also full of humanity. |
Reported by Huynh Thuy, Thanh Tuyen - Translated by Ngoc Huynh
