Defense-Economic Unit 337 was in charge of building Khe Sanh Defense-Economic area in remote areas of 13 communes in the districts of Huong Hoa and Dakrong. The area has more than 65km of shared borderline with Laos, with more than 32,000 people. Most of them are ethnic minority people.
According to Senior Colonel Uong Dinh Tan, Head of Defense-Economic Unit 337, implementing Program 1719 and mobilization project in the area, the unit has established a steering committee. It also worked with local authority to adjust livestock models in accordance with local potential, while promoting introducing products made by local residents.
    |
 |
|
Troops of Defense-Economic Unit 337 offer rice seeds to local people in Huong Linh commune, Huong Hoa district. |
Ho Van Nuoc from Se Pu hamlet, Huong Lap commune, Huong Hoa district, received breeding cows from Defense-Economic Unit 337 under a project to support socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. Ho La Ngang’s family from Xa Ry hamlet, Huong Phung commune, Huong Hoa district was also supported by the troops, receiving canna seeds, fertilizers and was instructed on how to plant this kind of tree. He has expanded the planting area to nearly one hectare. “Thanks to the care of the troops, Van Kieu hamlet has been changed, all local people knew how to grow crops and raise livestock; the children are all happy and have chance to go to school,” added Ngang.
Defense-Economic Unit 337 has closely worked with the local authorities to implement Program 1719, selected nearly 2,000 households to provide suitable livestock models. So far, 542 cows, 723 goats, and 118 breeding pigs have been provided to local households. Hundreds of people also participated in the project of planting 48 hectares of wet rice and 14 hectares of canna with good outcomes.
Besides, the unit also took care of needy children, including 31 orphans, while handing over school things, clothes, and bicycles to needy students.
Talking about the contribution of Defense-Economic Unit 337, Vice Chairman of the Huong Hoa district People’s Committee Pham Trong Ho affirmed that thanks to the coordination of local authorities and troops of the unit, Huong Hoa district has implemented Program 1719 with active outcomes, contributing to changing the appearance of the locality and raising the local people’s living standard. All contents of the program have been completed, exceeding set targets, so as to boost socio-economic development, enhance defense and security, and ensure social order in the area.
Translated by Minh Anh