Over the past eight years, officers and soldiers of the 516th Economic -Defense Brigade have worked alongside the local people, implementing dozens of effective economic models. Notable examples include commercial chicken farming, cattle breeding, and high-quality flower cultivation in Nui Thanh commune (Da Nang city); and the purple onion cultivation model in Ly Son Special Economic Zone (Quang Ngai province)... These models have yielded practical economic benefits, contributing to improving the lives of local people.

Accompanying the Military Region's working group to survey households receiving support for commercial chicken farming and cattle breeding models in Nui Thanh commune ( Da Nang City), to be implemented in 2025, we noted positive initial signs from these two new livelihood models. The program has supported 42 disadvantaged households in building barns, providing breeding stock, animal feed, and organizing technical training. In her dilapidated house, Ms. Ho Thi Kim Nien (Hoai My village) single-handedly raises three young children, her life mainly depending on the meager income from selling scrap metal. Having received support for the cattle breeding model, she emotionally shared: “In my most desperate situation, the soldiers of the 516th Economic-Defense Regiment came to survey, helped pour concrete for the foundation, build barns, and gave me breeding cows. I felt like I was dreaming. This is my main source of income to provide for my children's education.”

The image of the soldiers of the 516th Economic-Defense Brigade (Military Region 5) is deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people through their concrete and practical actions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Suong's family (An Tay village) faces particularly difficult circumstances. Her husband works as a fisherman, and she is a freelance worker who also cares for her child with epilepsy. They have no land for farming, and their income is precarious. Through on-site surveys and coordination with local Party committees and authorities, the 516th Economic-Defense Brigade selected and supported a commercial chicken farming model, building chicken coops and helping the family gradually overcome their initial difficulties. During the handover ceremony of over 100 commercial chickens, Ms. Suong tearfully shared: “I can’t believe I received chicks, feed, and support for building coops, disinfectants, and sterilization chemicals. I am so grateful to the soldiers of the 516th Economic-Defense Brigade!”

After two years of implementing a new cultivation method for purple onions on approximately 10 hectares in the Ly Son Special Economic Zone, the team has helped 200 households increase their income. Standing beside his rows of onions ready for harvest, Mr. Duong Hau (57 years old, An Hai village) happily stated: “Thanks to the application of new techniques and the use of biological products guided by the team, the yield has remained stable. After four harvests, I've earned nearly 20 million VND in profit each time. I have great confidence in this model and will continue to support it.”

The motto "close to the people, serving the people" is vividly demonstrated through concrete, humane actions. The 516 Economic-Defense Brigade is gradually bringing sustainable livelihoods, strengthening the people's trust, contributing to the socio-economic development of the coastal region, and building a solid "people's support" base. Colonel Nguyen The Vinh, Commander of the 516 Economic-Defense Brigade, said: "The goal of the program is to help poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged households develop production, gradually increase their income, and improve their living standards. Livelihood support not only provides people with a means of earning a living but also expands sustainable livestock farming models suitable to the local natural conditions."

Along with supporting livelihoods on shore, the 516th Economic-Defense Brigade also accompanies fishermen in venturing out to sea and maintaining their presence there. After each voyage, the unit assists in bringing fishing vessels back for maintenance and repairs. In 2025 alone, the Brigade supported 43 vessels, arranging 336 days of accommodation for fishermen during repairs, with a total cost of over 30 million VND. Each vessel that continues to sail out to sea is a "living milestone," contributing to the preservation of the sea, the fishing industry, and the affirmation of the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands.

Simultaneously, the "Accompanying Fishermen" model continues to be effectively implemented. The unit, in coordination with local authorities and fishing unions, distributed over 3,000 leaflets promoting laws on marine environmental protection, maritime sovereignty, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Practical gifts such as life jackets, national flags, first-aid kits, binoculars, batteries, and generators have become valuable equipment for fishermen on their long voyages at sea.

On the deck of the QNa 90814 vessel, fisherman Nguyen Van Cuong excitedly re-hung the national flag in preparation for Tet (Lunar New Year). He confided: “The 516th Economic-Defense Brigade provided exactly what we needed. Whenever we were in trouble, they always came to our aid promptly.” Holding the newly gifted binoculars, he explained that this is an important piece of equipment that helps him observe from a distance, allowing him to detect unfamiliar vessels and warn other ships.

Spring has arrived, bringing with it the warm breath of nature and the hope of new beginnings. In the sun-drenched coastal countryside, the soldiers of the 516th Economic-Defense Brigade continue their tireless and silent dedication with a strong sense of responsibility. Their footprints etched in the sand, their sweat mingling with the sun and wind, are vivid evidence of the people-centered spirit of these soldiers in peacetime. Amidst the spreading spring colors, the image of the soldiers emerges as a silent, verdant spring, nurturing the coastal countryside to become increasingly prosperous and sustainable, igniting unwavering faith in the future.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/nhung-mo-hinh-di-vao-long-dan-1026569