Dong Van Commune (Tan Ky District): Creating a focal point for socio-economic development.

(Baonghean) - Dong Van commune is a remote and isolated area with the largest natural area and population in Tan Ky district (over 12,000 people). During the 2010-2015 term, the locality strived to achieve many positive results in the socio-economic field. Economically, the average growth rate over the past five years reached 12.53%; the economic structure shifted towards reducing the proportion of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; by 2015, the average per capita food production was estimated at 527 kg/year, and average income was over 13 million VND/person/year.

The locality has gradually reclaimed and expanded the area of ​​agricultural land; the total agricultural land area in 2010 was 1,329 hectares, increasing to 2,220 hectares in 2015; the main crops are short-term crops such as rice, sugarcane, cassava, and corn. People are gradually accessing scientific and technological advancements and new varieties, so crop yields are constantly improving. The livestock industry continues to develop, with a rapid increase in the total number of buffalo and cattle and the rate of Sindhi breed in the cattle herd. Many production models with high economic efficiency have emerged in the area, gradually forming concentrated specialized farming zones.

A view of Dong Van commune.

Increased investment in socio-economic infrastructure has significantly improved the rural landscape, fostering public trust. To date, the commune has 20.5 km of district roads, 10.5 km of inter-commune roads, and 106.4 km of inter-village roads; of which 7 km are asphalted or concreted. With various state investment sources, Dong Van has been building and upgrading many public welfare facilities such as schools at all levels, health stations, community cultural centers, and administrative offices; and is planning to build a central market for the cluster of communes. Many irrigation works such as reservoirs, dams, and canals have also received local investment for construction and upgrading, meeting the irrigation needs for agricultural production.

Education and training, healthcare, population, culture, and sports continue to develop comprehensively, from infrastructure and teaching equipment to the quality of teachers and healthcare staff, whose professional skills are constantly improving. The number of students achieving excellent student status at the district and provincial levels is increasing (over the past 5 years, 376 students have achieved excellent student status at the district level, and 10 at the provincial level). The population and family planning system has been strengthened and streamlined from the commune to the hamlet level. In 2015, the commune health station was recognized as meeting the national standard criteria for healthcare. The locality pays attention to cultural and sports activities, creating healthy and practical playgrounds for young people, such as building many football and volleyball courts from the commune to the hamlets, serving the spiritual life and sports training of all strata of people in the area.

Commercial cattle farming will be included in the local resolution for the next term.

Party building is a top priority for the Party Committee; each branch admits 1-2 new members per year, creating opportunities for members to study and improve their political theory and professional skills. To date, there are no longer any weak Party organizations. The Fatherland Front and other mass organizations operate increasingly effectively; national defense and security are maintained.

Speaking about the socio-economic development orientation for the new term 2015-2020, the Secretary of the Commune Party Committee, Comrade Truong Van Duc, said: The achievements of the past term are the foundation for Dong Van to develop further in all fields in the next term, with the goal of striving to lift the locality out of its underdeveloped state and soon become a relatively prosperous commune in the district. To achieve that goal, the Party Committee has oriented itself on the following basic issues: Maximizing all potential and advantages in human resources, land, and resources to create comprehensive development, with the economy as the central focus. Maximizing internal resources, attracting external resources effectively, and concentrating investment on socio-economic development, with an emphasis on building a small industrial zone and a central market for the cluster of communes. Focus on supporting disadvantaged areas, especially ethnic minority communities, creating specialized farming zones for suitable crops to increase economic value per unit area, improve the economic efficiency of households, farms, and forest gardens… in conjunction with the New Rural Development program.

The main targets set by the Dong Van Party Committee for the next term are: an annual growth rate of 11.5%; an economic structure oriented towards industry - services - trade - agriculture; an average per capita income of 18,211,000 VND by 2020; job creation and labor export for 570 people; 5 out of 6 schools meeting national standards; an average annual reduction of 2-3% in the poverty rate; a 75-80% rate of families meeting cultural standards by 2020; 13-15 hamlets recognized as cultural hamlets; a 5% rate of malnutrition among children under 5 years old; a reduction in the rate of third or subsequent births to 12%; over 95% of children under 1 year old receiving all necessary vaccinations; a 70% rate of households using clean drinking water; and effective implementation of the nationwide movement to protect national security. The goal is to achieve 14 out of 19 criteria for building new rural areas by 2020. The political system is becoming increasingly effective, striving to build a clean and strong Party organization.

With clear and specific directions and goals, coupled with strong unity and determination within the Party, active involvement from the government, and strong support from the people, it is hoped that Dong Van will create a socio-economic highlight in the region and soon escape its status as an underdeveloped district.

Text and photos:Xuan Hoang