Deeply attached to Truong Sa

According to the annual program for coordinating propaganda on maritime and island issues, the Vietnam Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (Agribank) sends its officers and employees to participate...

Officials on Phan Vinh Island present the national flag to the leaders of the Agribank delegation.

Visiting Truong Sa - a great source of pride.

The Agribank delegation in 2026 included many staff members who had previously visited Truong Sa, but also quite a few who were setting foot on this sacred island region of the Fatherland for the first time. For Ms. Pham Thi Bich Loan, Deputy Director and Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Agribank's Head Office Branch, the trip was a valuable opportunity and a great source of pride.

Ms. Loan shared: “Previously, Truong Sa only existed in my mind through books, newspapers, and films. When I actually set foot on the island, touched every inch of it, met the officers, soldiers, and people… I understood more deeply the value of peaceful life on the mainland and the silent sacrifices of those who are day and night protecting our maritime sovereignty .”

Ms. Loan's feelings reflect the shared sentiments of many Agribank officials participating in the delegation. Not everyone has the opportunity to set foot in Truong Sa, to directly experience life at the forefront of the waves, and thus gain a deeper understanding of the value of national sovereignty. Therefore, when participating in the voyage, all members were eager, proactively arranging their work and preparing their luggage with utmost respect and responsibility.

The delegation presented gifts to the forces stationed on Tien Nu Island.

During that journey, what remained were not only the islands visited but also everyday images such as the sun-tanned skin of the soldiers, the small houses nestled beside rows of square-leaved mangroves, or the proud sovereignty markers standing tall amidst the sun and wind… These simple things left many unforgettable emotions and impressions on each member of the delegation.

Mr. Le Manh Hung, Chief of the Party Committee Office of Agribank, shared: "This business trip was a particularly meaningful experience that helped me better understand the optimistic spirit and the determination to overcome difficulties of the military and people in the remote islands. It is also a source of inspiration for every Agribank employee to actively participate in community activities."

The generator was donated by Agribank to Phan Vinh Island.

Bringing the warmth of the mainland to the forefront of the waves.

During this year's voyage to Truong Sa, Agribank continued to carry out many meaningful activities, demonstrating its strong bond with the mainland. One of the most notable achievements was the program to serve over 2,000 bowls of pho to officers, soldiers, and residents on the islands, a collaboration between Agribank and Pho Ngoc Vuong.

During the trip, Agribank served 2,000 bowls of pho; donated over 100 boxes of gifts, 500 national flags, and cash totaling hundreds of millions of dong to the military and civilians on the islands.

Hundreds of nautical miles from the mainland, the familiar taste of steaming bowls of pho brought joy and a sense of closeness to the soldiers and civilians of the special zone. Sergeant Nguyen Van Minh (Truong Sa Island) emotionally expressed: "It's been over a year since I last ate a bowl of pho with the rich flavor of home; it's delicious and heartwarming."

Delegation No. 16 presents the national flag to fishermen on Truong Sa Island.

Along with practical gifts such as necessities, medicine, and daily necessities sent to the islands, the Agribank delegation also presented many national flags to fishermen exploiting marine resources in the Truong Sa fishing grounds. Amidst the vast ocean, the image of fishing boats bearing the red flag with a yellow star contributed to affirming national sovereignty in the seas. Receiving the flag from the delegation, fisherman Dinh Muoi (Gia Lai province) on a fishing boat anchored at Da Tay A island shared: "This is a meaningful gift, giving us more motivation to confidently go out to sea, stay at sea for long periods, and contribute to the development of the marine economy ."

For many years, Ms. Phung Thi Binh, Deputy General Director of Agribank, has been a key figure in activities focused on the Spratly Islands. Despite her heavy workload, she has always shown special interest in programs supporting the islands, directly participating in and directing many aspects of the working group.

Officers and soldiers gather around bowls of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) brought to Truong Sa by Agribank in coordination with sponsors.

Along with gifts and support activities, each trip to Truong Sa also contributes to bringing the image of the islands closer to Agribank's staff and employees. From the practical experiences at the forefront of the waves, the love for the islands and the spirit of supporting Truong Sa continue to be nurtured, becoming a part of Agribank's culture of community responsibility.

Ms. Phung Thi Binh, Deputy General Director of Agribank: Witnessing the difficulties and hardships of the military and civilians in the Truong Sa Special Zone and the DK1 platform, Agribank's staff and employees have even greater appreciation for the silent sacrifices of the forces who are protecting the sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands day and night. This is also the motivation for Agribank to continue to accompany and share with the military and civilians in the seas and islands through practical and long-term programs.

Text and photos: Xuan Huong

Source: https://baohaiquanvietnam.vn/tin-uc/nang-nghia-tinh-voi-truong-sa