Transformation in heroic Hung Nghia land

Vo Van Du (left), Secretary of the Party cell and Head of Hung Nghia hamlet (Dau Giay commune), visits the effective agricultural model of farmer Nguyen Van Chinh. Photo: An Nhon

On a late August day in 2025, we followed officials of the Hamlet Management Board to visit heroic Hung Nghia land. Roads leading into the residential area are now paved with asphalt and concrete, wide and clean. The atmosphere is vibrant and joyful as residents prepare to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

The former revolutionary base “gets a facelift”

In the past, Hung Nghia was remembered as an uneven, arid hilly area often described as being “dusty in the sun, muddy in the rain.” Today, the former revolutionary land has a brand-new appearance. Makeshift huts have been replaced by solid, spacious houses. Lush orchards heavy with fruit stretch out one after another. Socio-economic life has improved markedly, and the rural landscape is changing every day.

According to local elderly people, Hung Nghia was once a cradle of revolution in Dong Nai, producing many heroic sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for National independence and freedom. After the national reunification, the area became a “fertile land where birds settle,” attracting settlers from many provinces to build a new life.

At first, life was extremely difficult. Hilly terrain and deep lowlands hindered farming. Residents had to work hard to level the land and bring in soil for cultivation. Scarcity of water meant that farming was dependent solely on the rainy season. Yet, with resilience and perseverance, the people of Hung Nghia turned the once-barren land into fertile orchards that yield high economic value.

Secretary of the Party cell and Head of Hung Nghia hamlet (Dau Giay commune) Vo Van Du shared that thanks to the program on building new-style rural areas, the locality has received significant investment from the Party and the State. Roads have been paved with asphalt and concrete down to small alleys, making travel and transport of farm produce safer and more convenient. National electricity grid has been extended to households, supporting both daily life and production. Schools at all levels (kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary) have been built, enabling children to attend classes more easily. A modern health station has also been built to take care of residents’ health.

In addition, Party committees at all levels and State authorities have provided practical support through training programs to improve farming and livestock techniques, and preferential loan sources for economic development. Many households have risen out of poverty, and living conditions have clearly improved.

“The unceasing efforts of residents, combined with timely support from the Party and the State, have enabled many households to sustainably escape poverty and stabilized their lives. Currently, Hung Nghia hamlet has over 640 households, with only three still classified as poor,” Du said.

According to Viet, Hung Nghia used to be a land of hills and low-lying areas, unlike the flatter terrain of today. Farming was difficult, heavily dependent on “heaven-sent water.” Most farmers grew short-term crops such as rice, maize, and beans during the rainy season, while the long dry season often caused water shortages. This results in low yields, and unstable quality of products.

Later, Viet was able to attend local training courses to improve skills on crop and livestock care. From there, he gained knowledge and experience, boldly drilling wells to access groundwater and taking control of year-round production. When the national power grid reached his farm, cultivation became easier and more efficient, raising agricultural income significantly.

With determination and careful planning, Viet and his wife gradually accumulated capital, purchased more land, and expanded production. Today, his family owns more than 3 hectares, mainly growing green-skin pomelo and other high-value crops such as cacao. Farming has brought the family prosperity, allowing them to build a spacious home and provide their children with proper education.

“What I am most proud of is not the property, but the fact that both of my children graduated from university and have stable jobs. Seeing them succeed makes all the years of hardship worthwhile,” Viet shared emotionally.

With higher living standards, residents have become more united and actively contribute to building a prosperous locality. Community spirit and revolutionary tradition in Hung Nghia are strongly upheld. Moreover, the “All people unite to build a cultural life” movement has been widely implemented. Locals actively participate in cultural, artistic, and sports activities and comply with Party policies and State laws.

Secretary of the Party cell and Head of Hung Nghia hamlet VO VAN DU

Another example is Nguyen Van Chinh, a 65 year-old resident of Hung Nghia hamlet. Born into a large family in Binh Dinh (now Gia Lai), he moved to Dong Nai in 1990 to start a new life.

“Back then, I bought 1.3 hectares of land. The house was temporary, but I was determined to work hard. Fortunately, the first crops had good yields and prices, so I paid off debts within a year and still had capital to reinvest,” Chinh recalled.

Over the past period, Chinh has been quick to switch from short-term crops (beans, maize) to fruit trees such as red-flesh jackfruit and several high-value industrial crops. He boldly applied new farming techniques, which improved productivity and boosted his family’s income. His children were able to get a proper education, and the family’s living conditions improved significantly.

Stories like those of Viet and Chinh vividly illustrate the determination and resilience of Hung Nghia residents in overcoming hardships. Particularly amidst the lively atmosphere of the nation’s major celebrations, heroic Hung Nghia seems to be infused with new vitality. The revolutionary tradition, resilient spirit, and perseverance of earlier generations continue to inspire younger ones to build an increasingly prosperous and civilized homeland.

By: An Nhon

Translated by: M.Nguyet-Thu Ha