Xuan Dong - a land of compassion

Xuan Dong was established through the merger of Xuan Tay commune, Xuan Dong commune, and Bang Lang hamlet of the former Xuan Tam commune.

Following the merger, Xuan Dong has significant development potential, with roads DT764 and DT765 providing easy connectivity to surrounding areas, creating favorable conditions for attracting investment and promoting socio-economic development. The new rural development program in Xuan Dong for the 2020–2025 period has received strong support from the local population, contributing to a transformation of the rural landscape.

The high-tech agricultural model of growing cantaloupes in a net house by Trinh Dinh Dac (residing in Thoai Huong hamlet, Xuan Dong commune) generates an annual income of about 1 billion VND. Photo: Thuy Linh

Lang Me 2 hamlet: "Anyone who goes far wants to come home"

In previous years, the road in groups 3, 4, 6 (Lang Me 2 hamlet, Xuan Dong commune) was very muddy. To implement new rural construction, households living along the road contributed money, labor days, and land to build more than 1km of concrete road. When the road was completed, people planted flowers and installed streetlights, creating a bright - green - clean - safe environmental landscape.

Residents of Lang Me 2 hamlet shared that in the past, the road leading into the hamlet was lined with tamarind trees planted by the French, and later, the area came to be known as "Lang Me." Having lived in Lang Me 2 for nearly 50 years, Nguyen Dung considers this land his second homeland. Recalling his early days settling here, Dung once unearthed ancient stone axes, evidence of life in this area dating back to the previous century.

"The population in the hamlet at that time was very sparse, and transportation was difficult. Schools were built with forest timber, thatched roofs, and earthen walls. Although living conditions were hard, nature blessed the land with fertile soil, and the hardworking people produced abundant rice, potatoes, and cassava. Today, Lang Me 2 has undergone remarkable changes, with spacious roads, rows of tile-roofed houses, and everyone who leaves wants to return," Dung shared with joy.

In 2022, Xuan Dong commune was recognised as an advanced new-style rural commune, and the Lang Me 2 area underwent a complete transformation. Numerous concrete roads now reach deep into remote areas, schools have been solidly built, and students can attend classes close to home. Along these paved roads, many sturdy homes have replaced the previously dilapidated temporary shelters, and residents' living standards continue to improve. Compared to the beginning of the term when Xuan Dong commune had 68 poor households, by the end of 2025, there were 36 poor and near-poor households, with Lang Me 2 hamlet having no poor households at all.

Nguyen Huu Quang, Secretary of the Party Cell and Head of Lang Me 2 hamlet, said: "Over the past 5 years, the people have contributed more than 1 billion VND to build concrete roads, install streetlights, and invest in the low-voltage power grid. With the consensus of the entire political system, Lang Me 2 hamlet has been recognized as a model residential area."

In the 2020-2025 term, Xuan Dong commune built 200 concrete roads from socialized sources, with a total capital contribution of 15 billion VND from the people and businesses. The entire commune has 22 standard hamlet cultural houses. The system of grassroots cultural institutions basically meets the people's needs for cultural enjoyment and access to information.

Developing green, sustainable agriculture

After the merger, Xuan Dong commune covers an area of 107.97 km² and has a population of 47,723, with ethnic minorities accounting for over 15 percent of the total, representing 17 ethnic groups.

Phan Trung Hung Ha, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Xuan Dong commune, said: "Resolution of the First Congress of the Party Committee of Xuan Dong commune clearly defines breakthrough areas: Focusing on developing organic agriculture, applying high technology, improving quality associated with product brands; promoting administrative reform, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of state management, applying information technology, and digital transformation in resolving administrative procedures, building a creative, friendly, and people-oriented administration; focusing on mobilizing resources for socio-economic development, prioritizing investment in the development of rural transportation infrastructure and cultural institutions in the commune".

With support from all levels of government, locals have confidently restructured crop and livestock production to suit natural conditions, creating competitive advantages tied to product branding. Notable products that have received OCOP certification include: Nguyen Thuong pure coffee, black termite mushrooms, and frozen vacuum-packed durian. In addition, several effective economic development models, such as durian production linkage chains, high-tech cantaloupe cultivation, and tissue-cultured bananas, have helped generate stable income for many households. By the end of 2025, the average per capita income in Xuan Dong commune reached 97 million VND per year, an increase of 29 million VND compared to the beginning of the term.

Pham Van Lam (residing in Hamlet 12, Xuan Dong commune) cultivates 1.5 hectares of durian. In the recent season, 9 rods yielded 5 tons of fruit from the first harvest. Lam is one of 60 durian-growing households participating in the agricultural product consumption linkage chain. In addition to receiving technical guidance from the enterprise on crop care, Lam also has his durian purchased from the beginning to the end of the season at a stable price.

For many years, Toan Thang Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd. has signed contracts to exclusively purchase agricultural products from local farmers, focusing on two key products: jackfruit and durian. In the 2025 season alone, the company exported approximately 5,000 tons of durian to China.

 "At the beginning of the season, the company signs contracts with farmers to establish an agricultural product purchasing linkage chain. By participating in the chain, the company secures a stable supply of goods with clear origin and guaranteed quality," shared Truong A Vung, Director of Toan Thang Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd.

For the 2025–2030 term, the Party Committee, armed forces, and people of Xuan Dong commune will continue to build on existing strengths, enhance the Party's leadership capacity and combativeness, and build a clean and strong Party Committee. At the same time, they will further implement the new rural development program, improve people's quality of life, and strive to make Xuan Dong commune a model new-style rural area before 2030.

By Thuy Linh – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho