Phu Lam, a land of compassion and loyalty

Phu Lam Commune, Dong Nai Province, was established through the merger of five former communes: Phu Son, Phu Trung, Thanh Son, Phu Binh, and Phu Lam, previously part of the former Tan Phu District. The commune covers a natural area of more than 6,700 hectares and has a population of nearly 63,000. In its socio-economic development orientation, the Phu Lam local government places strong emphasis on fostering a community rooted in compassion and solidarity.

The bright - green - clean - beautiful road in Phu Yen hamlet, Phu Lam commune. Photo: D.Phu

Founded from the northern communes of the old Tan Phu district, Phu Lam commune has a midland and mountainous terrain, with low hills distributed in the South and Southwest, and high hills in the North and Northeast. Like many other localities in Dong Nai province, the indigenous people and long-term residents in Phu Lam commune include ethnic groups such as Kinh, Hoa (ethnic Chinese), Choro, S'tieng, Khmer, and Cham. Before and after 1975, the Phu Lam area welcomed a large number of migrants from all over the country to reclaim wasteland and settle, including Kinh, Tay, Nung, Muong, Dao, Ma... Over time, they formed crowded hamlets, villages, and residential areas, and diverse fields, gardens, and orchards with crops such as rice, rubber, coffee, pepper, fruit trees...

Coming together under one large roof

Pham Van Huong (residing in Phuong Lam hamlet, Phu Lam commune) said: His family migrated to Phu Lam commune before 1975. At that time, there was a lot of uncultivated land, so he reclaimed 1 hectare of rice fields and 2 hectares of upland fields. Thanks to favorable weather conditions during production, he and his wife were able to support their 6 children through university.

In Phu Lam commune, there are religions such as Buddhism, Catholicism, Caodaism, and Protestantism. People, whether religious or not, live in solidarity and maintain faith in all levels of government.

Nguyen Van Huong, Chair of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phu Lam Commune, stated that each year, religious establishments register and carry out their activity programs in accordance with regulations. State management of religious affairs is effectively implemented, creating favorable conditions for religions to operate in line with the law. The relationship between the government, the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, and religious institutions has been increasingly strengthened, contributing to the reinforcement of the great national unity bloc.

Phu Lam possesses numerous strengths and advantages, including hills, mountains, rivers, lakes, and fertile fields. Its residents are united, industrious in labor and production, and warm and compassionate in their cultural and spiritual lives. Notably, National Highway 20 runs through the commune, and the Dau Giay – Tan Phu Expressway is currently under development, featuring an expressway interchange. The area is also home to a 75-hectare industrial cluster and several historical and scenic sites such as the Hung King Temple, Linh Phu Pagoda, Da Ton Lake, and Hoa Binh Waterfall, favorable conditions for socio-economic development.

In addition to focusing on socio-economic development and national unity, Phu Lam Commune also places strong emphasis on administrative reform. The local government consistently instructs its cadres and civil servants to adhere to internal regulations strictly, uphold administrative discipline and order, maintain public service ethics and communication culture, and take full responsibility in the performance of official duties.

Development orientation

Pham Thanh Hai, Chair of the Phu Lam Commune People's Committee, shared that in the coming years, the commune will decisively and comprehensively implement solutions grounded in local realities to bring the Resolution of the 1st Commune Party Congress (2025–2030 term) to life. At the same time, it will remain focused and determined to fully leverage local potential and advantages, building Phu Lam into a strong hub for trade and services. The commune will also intensify the development of industry and handicrafts as a foundation for advancing sustainable agriculture, particularly organic and high-tech farming, aiming to establish branding for local agricultural products and enhance production value. In parallel, the locality places strong emphasis on cultivating a cultural identity characterized by the friendliness and compassion of the Phu Lam people.

From a poor area, through the process of population formation and the establishment of local government, Phu Lam commune has continuously transformed and developed over time. A prominent milestone was when the local government and people embarked on building the National Target Program for New Rural Development.

Bui Thanh Nam, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Phu Lam Commune, shared that the National Target Program on New Rural Development, prior to its implementation under the two-tier local government system, consistently received strong leadership and direction, along with coordinated participation from the entire political system and broader society. As a result, the program quickly achieved remarkable outcomes, contributing to a transformation in the rural landscape and improvements in both the material and spiritual well-being of residents in the locality. To date, two former communes, Thanh Son and Phu Son, have met the advanced new rural standards, while Phu Lam and Phu Binh (also former communes) have reached the model new rural standards.

Farmer Nguyen Van Long (Phu Loi Hamlet, Phu Lam Commune) is creating agarwood in his 1ha aquilaria crassna garden, which he bought from another farmer in the hamlet. Photo: D.Phu

To achieve these results and to build momentum for the continued development of Phu Lam Commune on par with other localities across the province, the Party Committee and local government of Phu Lam have concluded that success stems from consistently fostering unity and solidarity within the entire Party organization. This undertaking includes innovating implementation methods, improving execution quality, and concretizing Party resolutions to ensure they are practical, focused, and aligned with local realities. The commune has also prioritized economic development in tandem with ensuring social welfare and environmental protection, while enhancing the effectiveness of mass mobilization efforts across the political system. Additionally, it has implemented grassroots democracy regulations effectively, helping to awaken a strong sense of ownership and civic responsibility among the people.

By: Doan Phu

Translated by: Mai Nga - Minho