Nay Dao is the patriarch of So Ma Rong hamlet in Ia Peng commune, who has done a lot for his villagers.

“I explain to local residents Party guidelines and State policies. I make a point of  individuals who have returned to the community after serving time in prison, and help them re-gain ID cards and household registration documents,” Dao told VOV, adding, “I work with local authorities to promote a civilized lifestyle and eliminate outdated customs, and I encourage people to work hard to escape poverty, improve their standard of living, and preserve their cultural identity and traditions.”

Respected individuals in ethnic minority communities, especially village patriarchs and religious leaders in the grassroots political system, play a crucial role in economic development, implementation of provincial policies and guidelines, and maintaining security and social order.

Ksor Duing, head of the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam branch in So Ma Rong hamlet, recalled, “In 2019 I established a branch of the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam in my home and persuaded 60 individuals, who previously followed an unauthorized religion, to join us and practice their faith legally.”

“I explained that the State does not allow the operation of the Dega Protestant sect or Fulro, an anti-government group. They needed to reconsider their path for the sake of their future. Today, their standard of living has improved and they are living in accordance with the motto ‘Living the gospel, serving Christ, and serving the nation,’” said Ksor Duing.

Like Ksor Duing, pastor Siu Than of the Evangelical Christian Mission Church in Ia Hiao commune, has mobilized many misguided people to return to a legal path.

“I’ve encouraged these people to let go the feelings of inferiority so they can reintegrate into the community, assuring them that they will be welcomed back without discrimination. We urge them to work hard to escape poverty. Religious gatherings are held every Sunday, while weekdays are dedicated to production to improve their livelihood,” said pastor Than.

Once a believer in the so-called “Dega autonomous state,” Ksor Bhat of Ia Ake commune has changed course. Now he is a trusted person in his community and serves as the head of the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam group in Plei Lok hamlet, Ia Ake commune.

Thanks to his outstanding contributions to the "All people protect national security" movement, Ksor Bhat was rewarded by the commune People’s Committee.

“I used to follow Dega Protestantism, but now I’ve changed my path and corrected my actions. The commune administration approved my role as the hamlet’s religious leader and head of the Fatherland Front Committee, and allowed me to establish a religious group in 2007,” Bhat recalled.

“My followers and I have strictly adhered to  Party guidelines and State laws. As Dega Protestantism promotes division and runs counter to national unity and the Party’s directives, I urge my fellow villagers not to be misled by those with bad intentions. The teachings of the Southern Evangelical Church of Vietnam emphasize the principle ‘Living the gospel, serving Christ, and serving the nation,’ and I try to pass on those values to others.”

Every year, training sessions and visits and get-togethers with respected individuals are organized to promote their role in the community. People are given opportunities to study production models in other localities, according to Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Quan, chief of the Ia Peng commune police.

“The respected individuals in the community are the elders and prestigious patriarchs. They set an example in their daily life and in their work and family economic development. They have a positive influence on the community,” said Quan.

Respected individuals in Phu Thien are role models, lead social welfare and poverty reduction movements, and encourage local people to contribute to the district's socio-economic development.