Typical rural landscape in Phuc Loc (Nghe An): Residents contribute 3 billion VND and 4,000 man-days to build their homeland.
From a rural village facing many difficulties, Hamlet 9 in Phuc Loc commune has risen to become a shining example in the movement to build a cultured life and advanced new rural areas, being recognized as a "Typical Cultural Village" at the provincial level in 2024. This achievement stems from the tradition of unity between Catholics and non-Catholics and the pioneering spirit of the people here.
Unity creates strength.
On July 1, 2025, in accordance with the policy of streamlining the local government apparatus, Hamlet 8, Nghi Lam Commune, Nghi Loc District (formerly) was renamed Hamlet 9, Phuc Loc Commune. Despite the name change, the sense of community and neighborly solidarity remains the source of strength that enables the people to work together to build their homeland.
The hamlet currently has 267 households with 886 inhabitants, of which 57 households are Catholic with 216 people. The close relationship between Catholics and non-Catholics is a prominent feature of this community. Everyone is united in implementing the policies and guidelines of the State and the movements initiated by the hamlet. It is from this foundation of unity that patriotic emulation movements and campaigns receive high levels of support, creating widespread impact.
Over the years, the village has developed and supplemented its customs and regulations to suit the actual situation; gradually eliminating outdated customs and preserving traditional customs in weddings, funerals, and festivals. Weddings are organized simply and in a civilized manner; funerals are conducted solemnly, economically, and in accordance with regulations. The New Year's longevity celebration, the custom of drinking green tea, and the ancestral worship ceremony are still maintained, demonstrating respect for ancestors and preserving long-standing cultural practices.
Hamlet 9 is a shining example of the former Nghi Lam commune and the current Phuc Loc commune in the "All People Unite to Build a Culturally Rich Life" movement. Every year, over 95% of households in the hamlet achieve the title of "Culturally Rich Family," with hundreds of households consistently meeting the standard for many years. The hamlet boasts a rich cultural life with 8 amateur performing arts groups, each with 15-30 non-professional members, who regularly practice and perform during local festivals, holidays, and major events. The singing, dancing, and drumming during the great unity celebrations have become a beautiful community feature, spreading love for the homeland.
Furthermore, the physical education and sports movement has developed strongly, with 45% of the population regularly participating in exercise, and 50% of households meeting the "Sports Family" standard. Cultural, sports, and festival activities create a vibrant atmosphere, enhance spiritual life, and help people connect more closely. The average per capita income reaches approximately 63 million VND/year, demonstrating comprehensive development in both material and spiritual aspects.
In particular, the harmony between Catholics and non-Catholics is also reflected in the spirit of compassion and sharing. Movements such as "Tet for the Poor," "Fund for the Poor," and "Community Working Together for the Poor – Leaving No One Behind" are strongly supported. Every year, people donate and support flood victims and help those in difficult circumstances, demonstrating the principle of "mutual support" that is deeply ingrained in the thinking and way of life here.
In Hamlet 9, many exemplary individuals have contributed to affirming the strength of the community. Mr. Nguyen Van Chau, a Catholic, is not only a successful businessman producing vermicelli and noodles, but also a leader in contributing to the development of his hometown. Besides providing financial support, his entire family actively participates in cultural and sports activities, becoming a unifying force for everyone.
That is Mr. Le Van Huyen, also a Catholic, who, despite his modest circumstances, has never missed a single movement. From contributing financially and working day to participating in environmental sanitation, he has enthusiastically responded to every initiative, earning the admiration of many in the community.
There is also the family of Mr. Nguyen Van Quan, who are always at the forefront of sports and cultural activities, and actively support various funds. These ordinary people are clear evidence of the spirit of solidarity between Catholics and non-Catholics, of the will to overcome difficulties and compassion, helping the community of Hamlet 9 to move forward more steadily.
Pioneering the development of advanced new rural areas.
In the journey of building advanced new rural areas, Hamlet 9 has always been a leading unit in Phuc Loc commune. With the motto "the people know, the people discuss, the people do, the people inspect, and the people benefit," all work is discussed openly and democratically, creating consensus among the people.
During the period 2021-2025, the villagers contributed over 3 billion VND and more than 4,000 man-days of labor to build essential infrastructure projects. Notably, the construction of a new, standard-compliant community center in 2022 was completed in just two months thanks to the collective efforts of the residents. In addition to cash, the villagers contributed thousands of man-days of labor, trees, and materials, making the community center grounds more spacious and green.
During this same period, the hamlet upgraded 17 concrete roads totaling nearly 1.5 km in length, constructed over 1.5 km of irrigation canals, paved sidewalks, laid concrete blocks for the sports field, planted hundreds of trees, and created numerous flower-lined roads. To date, 100% of the village roads and alleys have been concreted, and a lighting system with 167 bulbs is installed along the main roads, contributing to safety and creating a bright, green, clean, and beautiful appearance for the hamlet.
The movement to improve the environmental landscape has also become a daily routine. Weekly "Green Sunday" events are maintained; households sort waste at the source and take it to designated collection points on time. The neighborhood has invested in building three flag-lined streets, numerous flower-lined streets, and a system of billboards and posters for propaganda, creating a vibrant and civilized appearance. 86% of households have installed flagpoles and planted flowers and ornamental plants in front of their houses, transforming each alley into a "small garden."
Beyond focusing on infrastructure, Hamlet 9 in Phuc Loc Commune is also a pioneer in applying information technology in management. In 2024, the hamlet implemented a security camera system with 7 surveillance cameras connected to the community center and officials' phones, contributing to maintaining security and order. A new public address system with 3 clusters and 6 speakers was also installed, ensuring timely information reaches every household. These are innovative steps, bringing the hamlet closer to the "smart hamlet" model in the era of digital transformation.
Those efforts have borne fruit. In 2023, the hamlet was recognized as a "Model Cultural Village at the district level"; and in November 2024, it was honored to receive the title of "Model Cultural Village at the provincial level".
The village's current appearance is thanks to the consensus and high sense of responsibility of all the people. Every project and every movement bears the strong imprint of unity between Catholics and non-Catholics, and the shared will to work together for the homeland. This is the strength that enables us to continue striving, maintaining the title of Exemplary Cultural Village and aiming towards building a model new rural area.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lam – Head of Hamlet 9, Phuc Loc Commune
Being selected as an exemplary model to attend the Nghe An Provincial Emulation Congress in 2025 is a well-deserved recognition of the persistent efforts of the officials and people here. The image of Phuc Loc village today, with its flower-lined roads, sports fields, and spacious cultural center, is a vivid testament to the strength of the community – the strength that creates exemplary models shining brightly in Nghe An province.