Phu Vinh seeks to achieve new-style rural status

Although Phu Vinh is a mountainous commune home to ethnic minority groups, it has been selected as one of the first localities in Dong Nai City to achieve new-style rural development standards for the 2026–2030 period. The commune has also taken the lead in implementing innovative initiatives such as solar-powered roads and model roads that are bright, green, clean and beautiful.

A model new-style rural road in Hamlet 120, Phu Vinh Commune.

In response to the city's special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign—"Unity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthrough, Building a Civilized and Modern Dong Nai"—the commune's Party Committee and People's Committee have focused on closely monitoring and accelerating public investment disbursement, with priority given to rural infrastructure projects that lay the foundation for socio-economic development and the achievement of new-style rural development targets.

Toward a modern rural area

Phu Vinh Commune's new-style rural landscape is steadily taking shape with a modern, bright, green, clean and beautiful appearance. The achievement is all the more remarkable given that the commune is a mountainous area, where most local residents rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, and ethnic minorities account for approximately 66% of the commune’s population.

The commune is among the few remote localities in the city to have invested in solar-powered street lighting. The system provides multiple benefits by using green energy to eliminate the need for electricity expenses for public lighting. Compared with conventional streetlights, solar-powered lights offer broader and brighter illumination, making travel more convenient for residents while helping reduce social problems and traffic accidents.

Phu Vinh Commune is also endowed with rivers, streams and scenic landscapes, as well as several tourist attractions, including Bat Cave, Ba Giot Waterfall, and Phu Tan 2 Hydropower Station. The Resolution of the 2025–2030 Phu Vinh Commune Party Congress identifies the integration of agricultural development with tourism as one of the commune's three strategic breakthroughs for socio-economic development.

Nguyen Manh Duong, Vice Chairman of the Phu Vinh Commune People's Committee.

Introducing one of the commune's model roads, lined with lush greenery and colorful flowers, Le Thi Thuy, a resident of Hamlet 120, said that the installation of an automated irrigation system has made daily maintenance much easier. "The flower beds and ornamental plants remain green throughout the year without requiring frequent replanting during the dry season. Waste bins have also been placed along the roads, helping residents gradually develop the habit of sorting waste at the source. Organic waste is composted for use as fertilizer, significantly reducing the amount of waste requiring collection and transportation while keeping the environment clean," she said.

To replicate more bright, green, clean and beautiful roads, mobilizing community participation has been crucial. According to Do Thi Thu Ha, head of Hamlet 115, where more than 85% of the over 2,300 residents are Hoa ethnic minority group, public awareness campaigns have played a key role in the commune's new-style rural development efforts.

The hamlet administration has worked closely with respected community figures to raise residents’ awareness of the new-style rural development criteria and encourage their support and contribution.

Following the administrative merger, the hamlet's main cultural house was renovated to better serve community activities. As residents experienced the benefits of flower-lined roads equipped with automated irrigation systems and solar-powered lighting, they became more willing to support similar projects throughout the commune.

Accelerating public investment disbursement to drive growth

According to the Phu Vinh Commune People's Committee, after reviewing the 2026–2030 new-style rural development criteria, the commune has met 6 out of 10 criteria and 42 out of 47 performance indicators. The remaining criteria and indicators are being further completed, with the commune preparing supporting documentation for submission to relevant departments for assessment, aiming to achieve full new-style rural development status in 2026.

One of the most challenging targets—socio-economic infrastructure—has already been completed ahead of schedule. The commune's rural transport network now provides full connectivity and receives annual maintenance, while 100% of commune roads meet planning standards, more than 50% are lined with trees, while village and hamlet roads have been fully paved.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Duong said the commune is determined to fulfill the objectives of the 500-day-and-night emulation campaign ahead of schedule. In particular, the commune is focusing on accelerating public investment disbursement during the third quarter of 2026, with full disbursement expected in the fourth quarter, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of public investment. Leaders of the commune’s Party Committee and People’s Committee are closely monitoring implementation,

regularly monitoring progress and directing specialized divisions to strengthen coordination, and establishing clear timelines for completing every task. During the first half of 2026, the commune concentrated on preparing and approving investment plans and project documentation. Beginning in the third quarter, the focus shifted to public investment disbursement. As a result, by July 30, the commune had disbursed more than 42% of its public investment capital, with the figure expected to reach 70% by August 15.

Improving people’s living standards remains a central objective of the new-style rural development program. Most notably, rural residents’ income levels have consistently improved. Despite being an agricultural commune, Phu Vinh recorded an average annual per capita income of VND98.08 million by the end of 2025, exceeding the city's overall average.

By Binh Nguyen - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha