Over 12 years in journalism, each stage has left its own unique mark and experience. But perhaps the past year has been the most profoundly enriching. In that year, acting as a bridge for information and closely following current events, I witnessed the changes that occurred during the province merger and the operation of the two-tiered local government system.
By now, phrases like "provincial merger" and "operating under a two-tiered government model" have become very familiar, even outdated. People have gradually become accustomed to the new administrative boundaries, the new working methods of administrative agencies, and the administrative apparatus has also begun to operate smoothly.
Atêếp village (A Vương border commune), one of the destinations visited by reporters from the Industry and Trade Newspaper, witnessed the atmosphere of preparation for Election Day on March 15, 2026.
When Quang Nam and Da Nang become one nation.
On July 1st, 2025, Quang Nam province and Da Nang city officially merged to form the new Da Nang city. Prior to that historic day, we journalists listened to the thoughts and aspirations of the people as Da Nang and Quang Nam were reunited.
As a journalist, but first and foremost as a citizen, I myself initially had concerns: Would the implementation of administrative procedures for citizens be disrupted or affected by major changes in job positions and organizational structure within the system?
Fortunately, journalism gave me the opportunity to find quick and accurate answers to those questions.
Having personally visited numerous communes and wards, from bustling central areas to remote mountainous villages and even island communes, we received not complaints, but smiles and nods of agreement. The people expressed high levels of satisfaction and consensus with the operation of the new government model.
Not only citizens, but also businesses, in direct interviews or through meetings with city leaders, highly appreciate the effectiveness of the two-tiered government model. This streamlined model brings stability, helping administrative processes operate quickly, smoothly, and efficiently. In particular, the timely resolution of difficulties by the government has ensured that the production and business activities of enterprises remain continuous, unaffected or interrupted by the administrative boundary merger process.
For administrative agencies, the pace of work in public offices is much more urgent, decisive, and efficient. This bustling work atmosphere is clearly evident and is measured by the satisfaction of the people.
The author and residents of R'Cung village (A Vuong border commune) at the location where candidates for the A Vuong Commune People's Council for the 2026-2031 term are listed. Photo: Binh An
Following voters from the border to the islands
However, what left the strongest impression on me was the period of the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
Assigned by the Central Vietnam office to document the atmosphere leading up to the election, I had some meaningful trips. Traveling hundreds of kilometers, we reached mountainous communes bordering Laos such as A Vuong, Tay Giang, and Hung Son.
Here, amidst the vast mountain landscape, under small wooden stilt houses, we had the opportunity to meet and converse with voters from ethnic minority groups, listening to their stories about the changes since the province's merger and their hopes for the nationwide election day.
Traveling from the mountains to the coast, we arrived at the windy, salty island commune of Cu Lao Cham, where we witnessed enthusiastic discussions among fishermen voters after long sea voyages, choosing their representatives; and we also coincidentally met voters who had finished their fishing trips early to return and exercise their right to vote.
Whether on the border or on the islands, the conversations were filled with positive energy. Laughter and lively discussions painted a picture of high expectations and great faith in the new term.
On election day, along with the rest of the country, people in island communes and mountainous border communes made great efforts, arriving early in the morning to exercise their right to choose representatives to voice their opinions. 99.92% of voters in Da Nang City, including those I interviewed and myself – a citizen journalist – cast their ballots. This figure reflects the great trust and expectations of the people in a new term with strong transformations for the city.
Taking notes during my long reporting trips is not just journalistic material; it's a journey of nurturing emotions that helps me grow and improve every day. Photo: Binh An
Lessons learned along the way in the field.
Looking back on the year, with all those trips, my understanding has broadened both literally and figuratively. Our reporting journeys have never been short or easy. There were days when we set off in sunny weather, but arrived to find it pouring rain.
I still remember vividly, at the end of 2025, the Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade brought goods to serve the people in the mountainous communes. Following the trucks to the markets, we heard stories from the local people themselves, who traveled dozens of kilometers through the forest just to get to the market to buy necessities or new clothes. Then, after interviewing them, they rode their motorbikes for four hours in torrential rain back to the city center.
However, what lingered in our minds after those trips was not fatigue. Through them, I gained a deeper understanding and a clearer sense of the rhythm of life in different regions; and also the responsibility of a writer.
The past year has been a journey filled with professional experiences. The stories and images of the people I interviewed, the places I visited, are not only source material for my articles, but also invaluable spiritual energy, nourishing my emotions and motivating me to extend my journey in the journalism I have chosen.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/di-cung-nhip-tho-cua-nhan-dan-462195.html
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