The story of parishioners shouldering both 'party and people's affairs'

(Baonghean.vn) - For 25 consecutive years as Party cell secretary and hamlet chief, parishioner Phan Van Song in Trung Thanh hamlet, Phong Thinh commune (Thanh Chuong) has always completed his tasks excellently and is loved and trusted by the people.

» Priest Nguyen Dinh Thuc incites parishioners

The people of Trung Thanh village in general and the parishioners of Trung Hoa parish (Thanh Chuong) in particular always talk about the village chief and party cell secretary Phan Van Song with affection and admiration. Because of his exemplary role, always caring, close to, and helping neighbors in difficult circumstances.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang - a parishioner in Lien Huong hamlet, Thanh Lien commune still remembers clearly the time when she first got married in Trung Thanh hamlet, Phong Thinh commune and was allowed by her parents to live separately, life was extremely difficult.

Mr. Phan Van Song directly directed the demolition of fences and construction of rural concrete roads. Photo: Dinh Ha

Sympathizing and sharing the situation of Ms. Hang's family, as the village chief, Mr. Phan Van Song stood up to lend them 30 million VND from the bank to buy cows and pigs for breeding. After 3 years of raising them, the cows and pigs have now reproduced and can be sold to pay back the loan. Ms. Hang was moved to share: "Mr. Song is a very enthusiastic person, willing to help everyone, thanks to his help, my family escaped poverty".

Together with Ms. Hang, Mr. Song has many times stood up to provide credit and loans for many other people in the neighborhood to develop their economy and directly consulted and guided them in livestock production.

When the whole commune and hamlet embarked on the NTM construction, in 2015, Mr. Song's family volunteered to demolish 27m of their solidly built fence to open the road. Following his example, many households in the hamlet responded and followed suit. To date, Trung Thanh hamlet residents have donated 1,750m2 of garden land, cut down 400 trees, demolished nearly 60m of fence and contributed nearly 1 million VND per household to build a standard road.

Thanks to Mr. Song's dedication, enthusiasm and "good people's mobilization" talent, Trung Thanh hamlet has always been one of the leading units of the district and commune. In 1999, it was one of the first units recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as a cultural village. Up to now, Trung Thanh hamlet still maintains its title and is recognized as an advanced residential area every year. People's lives have developed with the highest average income in the commune. Currently, the whole hamlet has only 2 poor households, and in 2016, 89% of households achieved the title of cultural family.

Mr. Phan Van Song (second from right) discusses with the Party Committee and the commune government about the village's issues. Photo: Dinh Ha.

Talking about the secret to completing "party and people's work", parishioner Phan Van Song said: the most important thing in a cadre is enthusiasm and exemplary behavior, "saying goes with doing". Regarding issues related to religion, when an incident arises, it is necessary to actively coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organizations to advise the Party, government and relevant agencies to promptly dialogue, explain, mobilize and propagate in a reasonable and sympathetic manner.

As a Catholic, he also deeply appreciates the advice of Father Nguyen Dinh Luu (Trung Hoa parish priest): "Do not participate in anything that is not related to you to avoid being lured and exploited by bad people". Assessing the role of Mr. Phan Van Song, Mr. Nguyen Van Luong - Chairman of the Catholic Solidarity Committee of Thanh Chuong district said that "Mr. Song is an exemplary Catholic. He works with enthusiasm and dedication at all times and places. This is a shining example in the movement of living "a good life, a beautiful religion", "respecting God and loving the country" among Catholics.

In recognition of his dedication and effectiveness in work, Mr. Phan Van Song was awarded a certificate of merit by Thanh Chuong District Party Committee as "Party member who has excellently completed his tasks for 3 consecutive years", "typical example of studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ideology and moral example" and is being proposed to be awarded the Party's "For the cause of mass mobilization".

Tran Dinh Ha

Thanh Chuong Radio