Six provinces in Military Region 4 have a total length of 720km of coastline. Thousands of local people are engaged in fishing at sea, and they are considered a direct force in economic development and safeguarding of national sovereignty over sea and islands.
    |
 |
|
The Nghe An provincial Military Command and local agencies hand over national flags to local fishermen. |
“I love the Fatherland” program was one of the outstanding activities conducted by the youth organizations of the Nghe An provincial Military Command, units, and schools at Nghi Tan fishing port in Cua Lo town in late April. At the event, the organizing panel handed over 1,800 national flags, 100 portraits of President Ho Chi Minh, 220 life jackets, 10 extinguishers, and 20 gift packages (worth VND 500,000 each) to policy beneficiaries and needy fishermen and five gifts to students in difficult circumstance in Cua Lo town.
|
|
 |
|
Students whose parents are fishermen receiving gifts |
Le Thanh Thang in Nghi Thuy ward, Cua Lo town was one of the fishermen benefiting from the program. Thang said that over the past years, local fishermen have received both material and spiritual support from agencies, sectors, and organizations, especially the armed forces, when they encounter difficulties.
Thang recalled that in late 2023, he and other fishermen in Cua Lo faced numerous difficulties due to the high fuel prices. Learning about their situation, the Nghe An provincial Military Command collaborated with functional forces to kick off a program, titled “Accompanying fishermen at sea.” Within the program, agencies and units under the provincial military command provided necessities and national flags to fishermen and enhanced dissemination of laws, thus motivating Thang and other fishermen in Cua Lo to continue to head to the sea.
Highly appreciating the significance of the program, Political Commissar of the Nghe An provincial Military Command Senior Colonel Nguyen Hong Ky said that the event helped enhance fishermen’s awareness of laws and regulations related to fishing at sea. Gifts were considered a source of encouragement to motivate them to continue to fish at sea.
|
|
 |
|
The armed forces of Phu Vang district disseminating law to fishermen |
In spite of well preparing himself for each long fishing trip, fisherman Vo Thanh Dat in Vinh Linh district of Quang Tri province does not feel confident to head to the sea without the support of members of the standing militia squadron of Quang Tri province, since fishing at sea, for him, is a risky job. Dat said that fishermen always feel confident because they know that members of the squadron would be present regardless of day or night when they have troubles.
The fisherman recalled that in October, 2023, his trawler experienced engine failure at night, and he panicked. Through a walkie-talkie, he contacted ship of the standing militia squadron and asked for help. Immediately, the militiamen braved strong winds and high waves to reach the scene to fix the trawler.
As reported, over the past years, through the “Accompanying fishermen at sea” program, agencies and units under the armed forces of Military Region 4 have organized a series of programs and activities to encourage fishermen to keep holding onto the sea. Together with presenting national flags, the provincial military commands have granted gifts to fishermen; provided financial support for their children; collaborated with organizations to give fishing tools; worked with the coast guard and naval forces to disseminate law to and equip fishermen with essential skills to handle circumstances at sea.
|
|
 |
|
Militiamen of Quang Tri province assisting fishermen in preparation for their fishing trip |
Thanks to the support of the armed forces, agencies, sectors, and organizations, fishermen in Military Region 4 are confident in fishing at sea to contribute to developing economy and safeguarding national sovereignty over sea and islands.
Translated by Tran Hoai