In an interview with People’s Army Newspaper, Senior Colonel Tran Quang Tung, Deputy Political Commissar of the Lao Cai Provincial Military Command and Political Commissar of the Lao Cai Provincial Border Guard Command, reflected on this journey.
He emphasized that border guards view the frontier as their homeland and ethnic communities as kin. This culture is expressed through action—living and working alongside the people. For 10 years, the unit’s Party Committee and Chain-of-Command have focused on improving living conditions and maintaining public trust in the Party and State. When residents trust the forces, they become “living markers” safeguarding national sovereignty.
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Senior Colonel Tran Quang Tung, Deputy Political Commissar of the Lao Cai Provincial Military Command and Political Commissar of the Lao Cai Provincial Border Guard Command |
Regarding economic efforts, the unit prioritizes sustainable models suited to local conditions. It has maintained 27 “clever mass mobilization” models, contributed over 17,000 working days, and provided VND 3.7 billion in seeds and livestock. Livelihoods have shifted from slash-and-burn farming to large-scale livestock farms for white horses, goats, and black pigs. Notably, the “border cinnamon tree” model has reforested thousands of hectares while providing stable income for hundreds of households.
The unit also coordinated with benefactors to build 88 houses and repair 300 others, totaling VND 11.7 billion. Following the severe damage of Typhoon No.3 in 2024, officers worked overnight on rescues and later mobilized nearly VND 30 billion to rebuild 34 homes, proving the military remains a steadfast support for the people.
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Officers and soldiers of the Lao Cai Provincial Border Guard Command help students cross a stream on their way to school. |
In education, the “Paving the way to school for children - Adopted children of border posts” program has supported 174 students. Currently, 22 orphans live at border posts, while hundreds receive VND 500,000 monthly. The unit also organized 29 literacy classes for over 800 learners and returned nearly 1,000 dropouts to school. These efforts have enabled residents to sign their names and gradually eliminate outdated customs like child marriage. Simultaneously, the unit helps preserve traditions such as Tay field festivals and Pa Di forest worship rituals.
Looking ahead, Senior Colonel Tran Quang Tung outlined four key solutions: raising awareness of President Ho Chi Minh’s people-centered leadership; integrating border guard models into national target programs; training ethnic minority personnel as local nuclei; and applying technology to border management. He concluded that the goal remains ensuring that wherever border guards are present, there is prosperity, peace, and happiness.
Translated by Trung Thanh