The event saw participation of Most Venerable President of the VBS Executive Council Thích Thiện Nhơn, Most Venerable Vice Presidents of the VBS Executive Council Thích Gia Quang, Thích Thanh Nhiễu and Thích Bảo Nghiêm, Venerable Chairman of the provincial VBS Executive Committee Thích Tâm Đức and about 450 Buddhist monks, nuns and followers in the province.

Distinguished guests at the event included Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Lê Thị Thìn and Chairman of the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Nguyễn Văn Tuấn.

The congress discussed results of social, religious activities of the VBS Chapter in the city in the 6^th term (2012-2017) and approved working plans for the next term.

As reported at the event, Buddhist dignitaries and followers in the province have contributed a total value of over VND 30 billion to social charities over the past five years and a Buddhist college is expected to be established  in the province during the 2017-2022 tenure.

The one-day congress elected 47 members to the VBS’s Executive Committee in the province for the 2017 – 2022 tenure with Venerable Thích Tâm Đức reelected as the Committee Chairman, as well as nominated delegates to attend the VBS national congress to be held in November this year.

On the occasion, three Buddhist individuals were awarded certificates of merit from the Prime Minister and local authorities presented certificates of merit to Buddhist groups and individuals for their social contributions during the 2012-2017 term.

Representatives from local authorities present congratulatory flowers to congress

PH