Dak Lua: A distant, yet close-to-the-people commune

Following the provincial merger and the implementation of the two-tier local government model, the administrative boundaries of Dak Lua commune, Dong Nai province, have remained unchanged.

Farmer Bui Van Bay (right), a resident of Hamlet 3, Dak Lua Commune, develops a melon growing model that generates an income of 70 million VND per 1,000 square meters over a 65-day cultivation cycle

However, local residents have felt profound changes in the land and people here, particularly as grassroots cadres and authorities strive to direct resources towards the community.

Transformation of a former flood “epicentre”

Dak Lua was once regarded as a flood “epicentre” area. Locals still vividly recall the historic floods of 1998, 2000 and 2001 that brought significant hardship to the community. But since then, flooding has not reoccurred, and the once-familiar name of “flood epicentre” has gradually faded from the people’s memory.

With floods no longer a threat, farmers shifted away from short-term crops grown mainly to “play it safe” before the flood season. Today, Dak Lua confidently cultivates three rice crops a year, while also expanding mulberry growing, silkworm raising and various fruit orchards.

In the coming period, Dak Lua commune has identified the continuous improvement of cadre quality as a breakthrough mission, particularly key officials who must have firm political resolve, sound capacity and the prestige to meet assigned tasks.

Phan Van Tung, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Dak Lua commune.

Farmer Nguyen Van Hung (Hamlet 2, Dak Lua) recalled that when irrigation canals had yet to be invested in, farmers could only grow one or two rice crops per year. This is due to the fact that the farmers couldn’t control the water-there wasn’t enough for irrigation during the dry season, and no way to drain the excess during the rainy season. As a result, yields were only around 4 to 5 tons per hectare per crop. However, thanks to the coverage of canal network across all fields, not only are three crops now feasible, but productivity has also risen to 7-8 tonnes per hectare. Thanks to the investment in the in-field irrigation canal system, roads and electricity, not only Nguyen Van Hung’s household but also farmers in Hamlet 1 and many other hamlets of Dak Lua Commune have been able to cultivate three rice crops a year. They have also flexibly grown mulberry, high-yield maize, sweet potatoes, and various vegetables on higher fields under the model of two rice crops and one crop of vegetables per year. This has helped enrich the soil and increase land-use efficiency.

Farmer Hoang Van Them (Hamlet 4, Dak Lua) shared that with three rods of upland fields, he cultivates only one main rice crop and then grows mulberry for silkworm rearing, earning over VND 150 million per year. This model is now widespread and more profitable than growing rice-plus-vegetables.

Currently, Dak Lua has more than 250 hectares dedicated to mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming. Nguyen Duy Dong, Director of Duy Dong Mulberry Production and Service Cooperative (Hamlet 1, Dak Lua), said the cooperative has 20 members and provides regular jobs for more than 40 workers. With cocoon prices stable at VND155,000 per kilogram or higher, members and farmers in the commune enjoy relatively prosperous livelihoods.

A grassroots-oriented, people-centered approach

Dak Lua is about 160 km away from the provincial administrative centre of Dong Nai (via the route leading to National Highway 20) and about 140 km via the Dak Lua - Dang Ha direction. Although it is located far from the provincial administrative center, the commune is actively implementing the “Friendly Government” model to better serve its residents in addressing administrative procedures, promoting economic development, and accessing healthcare, education, and other social welfare policies.

This approach shifts from a rigid “administrative order” style to “service, guidance, advocacy and persuasion,” ensuring cadres and government truly to stay close to and work for the sake of the people.

Harvest season begins in the rice fields of Hamlet 1, Dak Lua Commune. Photo: Doan Phu

Nguyen Thanh Hien, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dak Lua commune, stressed that leaders always focus their efforts to care for the grassroots, listening to the needs and aspirations of the people in order to act in a timely, appropriate and responsible manner. This enables cadres to be closer to and better understand the people, while residents benefit fully from central and local support programmes despite the commune’s remote location.

According to Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Dak Lua Commune Phan Van Tung, a “Friendly Government” means building a style that “respects the people, stays close to the people, understands the people, learns from the people and takes responsibility for the people.” It embodies the principles of “listening to the people,” “explaining clearly to the people,” “guiding the people to act,” and “acting to win the people’s trust,” with the motto of “sincerity, positivity, prudence, perseverance, subtlety and effectiveness,” aimed at enhancing citizen satisfaction with local public servants.

He noted that by implementing this approach, the commune has collected valuable feedback from residents, including calls for environmental protection, investment in clean water, solutions to handle waterlogging in low-lying areas, and increased budget allocation in rural transport for disadvantaged areas.

Dak Lua has seven hamlets, a natural area of approximately 415.1 square kilometers, and a population of over 8,200, comprising 284 households of ethnic minorities with 1,311 residents. Between 2020 and 2025, using a combined state budget and community contributions totaling VND 401 billion, the commune has upgraded its infrastructure and transport. Hamlet 7, the remotest area, has been prioritised with more than VND 200 billion in state funds for transport, education and healthcare development.

From a remote and far-off, purely agricultural commune, Dak Lua has witnessed positive economic restructuring. Agriculture now accounts for approximately 60% of the local economy, while trade and services comprise 28%, and handicrafts/industry represent 12%.

Chairman Nguyen Thanh Hien added that the commune will continue to promote industry and cottage industry, with a focus on agricultural processing, construction materials, mechanics, and repair services. At the same time, the commune pays attention to creating favourable conditions and encouraging existing cottage industry establishments to expand their production and business scale.

By: Doan Phu
Translated by: My Le - Thu Ha