The "pioneer" in Noong village

(Baonghean) - Every time we visit Noong village, Ngoc Lam commune (Thanh Chuong district), we often hear the locals mention Mr. Luong Van Hung (born in 1955) with respect and affection. He is a role model, always leading the way in all tasks, guiding people on how to do business, and frequently helping villagers in times of illness or hardship...

Mr. Luong Van Hung was born and raised in Noong village, Kim Tien commune (Tuong Duong district). As a child, he was known throughout the village as an intelligent and bright boy. Despite difficult family circumstances and the arduous journey to school, his parents were determined to send him to school to learn to read and write. After finishing junior high school, lacking the means to continue his education, Luong Van Hung joined the Youth Union and quickly became a "leader" of the youth in Noong village. Due to his active participation, intelligence, and quick wit, he was promoted to a Youth Union official in Kim Tien commune. Later, he worked as a finance officer for decades.

Mr. Luong Van Hung prepares herbal remedies to treat illnesses.

When the Ban Ve Hydropower Plant project was planned, Noong village in particular, and Kim Tien commune in general, were slated for relocation to a resettlement area in Thanh Chuong. Initially, few villagers agreed. Mr. Hung was one of those who visited the resettlement area and later returned to the village to persuade the villagers to move to the new location. Having served as an official for many years, he understood that to gain the villagers' trust, he had to lead by example. At the end of 2006, Mr. Hung's family was one of the first to relocate, followed by other villagers. Noong village was among the first, fastest, and most complete to be relocated!

Regarding the resettlement area, the farming and living conditions differed significantly from their old homeland. The land was barren, there was a lack of water, and the houses were not built in accordance with Thai customs, leading many households to consider returning to live in the reservoir area. At this time, as the village head, he took the initiative to persuade the villagers to stay and engage in production, acknowledging the immediate difficulties but emphasizing that with diligence, hard work, and a willingness to learn, they would soon overcome hardship and poverty. To gain the villagers' trust, he traveled to surrounding areas to learn about farming and agricultural practices, attended training courses, and studied books and newspapers. With sufficient knowledge, he bought acacia saplings to plant on the allocated land, intercropping them with cassava according to the principle of "using short-term gains to support long-term growth."

Besides that, they reclaimed and expanded the area of ​​rice paddies, ensuring a long-term food supply; they built barns to develop chicken, pig, and cattle herds. Seeing this direction as reasonable, the people of Noong village all followed suit, and to this day, no one has returned to live in the reservoir area. Recently, when he had more free time, Mr. Luong Van Hung began practicing traditional medicine. He learned the trade from his father and grandfather. He is able to treat bone and joint diseases and liver diseases with simple, easily available herbs. Many people have been cured by him, including those from other regions. Remarkably, the price he charges for his medicine is very low, especially for those in difficult circumstances and the villagers...

Text and photos:Tuong Anh