Shandong's internal strength

After officially implementing a two-tiered local government model based on the merger of three communes – Son Dong, Tay Son, and Cao Phong – Son Dong commune entered a new phase of development with a much larger population and area than before. This larger scale means greater expectations. Despite the newly restructured administrative apparatus, the vast geographical area, and numerous challenges, Son Dong still achieved all 19 socio-economic development targets set for the year 2025. This result was achieved through the local government's own "internal strength."

Staying strong in the new movement

2025 will be a year of profound changes. The new administrative apparatus will be comprehensively reorganized. Hundreds of transitional projects, files, and works will have to be reviewed and handed over; in the public investment sector alone, 212 projects will be taken over from former communes with a total investment of over 648 billion VND...

Clean and beautiful village roads and alleys are an impressive highlight of Son Dong new rural commune.

The pressure was immense, but instead of stalling, the entire political system of the commune quickly adapted to a fast-paced, "get to work immediately," "no waiting," and "avoid unnecessary complications" work style to promptly address the issues arising from reality. Personnel organization was quickly streamlined; specialized departments and divisions began operating smoothly. The Public Administrative Service Center was upgraded and put into operation synchronously from July 2025. Nearly 7,000 applications were received in six months, with approximately 96% processed on time or ahead of schedule.

Digital transformation has been implemented effectively. 100% of incoming and outgoing documents are processed electronically; 100% of administrative procedures are updated on the National Public Service System. The rate of digitized documents has reached over 99%. By 2025, Son Dong will rank 26th out of 148 communes and wards in the province in terms of digital transformation implementation – a remarkable achievement for a newly merged locality.

In the economic sector, despite the impact of drought at the beginning of the winter-spring season and natural disasters such as floods, agricultural production remained stable with a total planted area of ​​over 2,500 hectares; grain production reached nearly 8,000 tons. Over 70% of the rice area used high-quality varieties; mechanization reached over 90% of production stages.

The service sector is thriving with 1,380 individual business households and 178 enterprises in the area. Total commune budget revenue is estimated at 251 billion VND, nearly 160% of the assigned plan. This is not only a growth figure, but also a manifestation of market confidence and the dynamism of the people.

With its advantageous geographical location, transportation infrastructure, and traditional craft villages, Shandong has a significant advantage in developing trade and service industries.

Social and cultural achievements were also made, with 95% of households achieving the title of "Culturally Advanced Family"; and all 44 villages achieving the title of "Culturally Advanced Village". The rate of people participating in health insurance exceeded 95%. Nearly 400 new jobs were created; and 15 people completed procedures for overseas employment.

It can be said that 2025 was a year of many changes, but Shandong still maintained political security and no "hot spots" emerged. Public service was maintained in an orderly manner, thus strengthening people's trust.

In Shandong, people have a high level of trust in the government because of its close cooperation and spirit of sharing, demonstrated in even the smallest matters.

Proactive adaptation and decisive action.

A deeper analysis reveals that the achievements in 2025 stem from three core factors. Firstly, unity and decisive leadership and management. Immediately after the merger, the Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of the commune focused intensely on stabilizing the organization and clearly assigning tasks to specific individuals. The new apparatus operates in a professional, disciplined, and orderly manner.

Secondly, the spirit of public consensus is crucial. In the context of administrative boundary changes, without the support of the people, all policies are difficult to implement. The proactive efforts of the people in changing crop structures, expanding businesses, and actively using online public services are proof of this confidence.

Thirdly, proactive response to difficulties. African swine fever initially appeared in two households but no new outbreaks subsequently occurred. Storms and floods inundated hundreds of hectares of crops and aquaculture, but disaster prevention and control efforts were implemented according to the "four on-the-spot" principle, minimizing damage.

Despite its achievements, Shandong still faces limitations such as: large-scale commercial agriculture has not yet been established; the percentage of households using centralized clean water is only 25.76%; and there are still overdue administrative documents due to subjective reasons and a lack of software synchronization. These are challenges that need to be addressed in the coming period.

Unleash and unleash inner potential

Entering 2026, Son Dong aims for a 10.5% economic growth rate and the completion of 19 socio-economic development targets. Discussing future directions, Chairman of the People's Committee of Son Dong commune, Nguyen Dinh Tuan, stated that the locality has identified development based on the following pillars: geographical advantages; endogenous resources in culture and society; and a proactive, flexible, and adaptable spirit, avoiding complacency with achievements. First and foremost, the focus is on urgently implementing and completing the commune's overall planning in accordance with the approved urban planning along the Lo River. This will create space for long-term growth and development.

The second solution is to restructure agriculture towards high value, forming concentrated production areas, replicating models of flower and ornamental plant cultivation, and developing garden-based economy linked to e-commerce. At the same time, it is necessary to boldly select a few key models and provide consistent support to create breakthroughs instead of spreading resources too thinly.

Thirdly, we must promote administrative reform linked to genuine digital transformation and administrative discipline and order. Accordingly, each official is required to improve administrative discipline and minimize overdue applications; at the same time, we must educate the public to change their habits, increase the rate of cashless payments, and use online public services.

Proactively implement plans to effectively utilize land resources. Compensation and land clearance for key projects such as the Dinh Chu Industrial Cluster and the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project need to be accelerated, ensuring a balance of interests between the State and the people.

Fourth, we must strongly awaken and promote endogenous resources from culture. This should be considered a soft power for the sustainable socio-economic development of the locality. This can be achieved by gradually creating and promoting cultural tourism and educational tourism based on a harmonious integration of preservation and exploitation, effectively promoting the values ​​of cultural heritage.

Finally, it is essential to maintain security and order, and build a safe and friendly living environment to attract investment. Economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, and violations must be dealt with strictly.

“The most important thing is to maintain the spirit of unity after the merger, viewing difficulties and challenges as a driving force for innovation. Every official must set an example, and every citizen must cooperate. When internal strengths are unleashed, Son Dong will not only achieve its targets but also rise even stronger in the 2025-2030 period,” shared Nguyen Dinh Tuan, Chairman of the People's Committee of Son Dong commune.

From a newly merged commune with many challenges, Shandong demonstrates that internal strength is not an abstract concept, but is manifested in the proactive adaptation, efforts, and determination of the entire political system and the people. When internal strength is effectively organized, guided, and unleashed, it will be a sustainable driving force for long-term development, creating a foundation for Shandong to confidently enter 2026 with the aspiration of double-digit growth, green development, and sustainability.

Quang Nam

Source: https://baophutho.vn/noi-luc-son-dong-248480.htm