Phu Dong: From a traditional craft village to a model of civilized rural area.

(PLVN) - Once known as the land of the Giong Festival and centuries-old craft villages, Phu Dong is now sporting a new look: larger, more populous, and more comprehensively developed. After mergers and receiving resources from localities that have achieved the model new rural standard, Phu Dong is gradually becoming a new model of civilized rural areas in the capital city.

Significant changes stemming from the model new rural development model.

On July 1, 2025, the administrative apparatus of Phu Dong commune officially began operating under a two-tiered local government model. This new administrative unit was formed by merging the entire natural area and population of six communes and towns belonging to the former Gia Lam district, including Yen Vien town; Yen Vien, Phu Dong, Ninh Hiep, Yen Thuong, and Thien Duc communes; and parts of Dang Xa and Co Bi communes. After the merger, Phu Dong commune has a natural area of ​​41.62 km² and a population of over 111,000 people.

Most importantly, the foundation for Phu Dong's development towards a modern, green, and sustainable direction is the result of the previous new rural development program. Specifically, before the merger, all former units had achieved advanced new rural development standards, with Phu Dong (formerly), Yen Thuong, and Ninh Hiep being recognized as model new rural areas.

During the 2020-2025 term, all former communes recorded an average annual growth rate of 11.65% in production value. The economic structure has shifted significantly towards urbanization: services and trade account for 52.45%, industry and construction for 42.49%, and agriculture for only 5.06%. Notably, the average per capita income in 2024 is projected to reach 85.51 million VND/person/year, demonstrating a continuous improvement in people's living standards.

Beyond its economic significance, Phu Dong is a land rich in cultural traditions – the birthplace of Saint Giong, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk beliefs. The Giong Festival has been recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The area currently boasts 101 historical and cultural relics, including Phu Dong Temple, which is classified as a special national monument, contributing to the unique character of spiritual and cultural tourism in the region.

Young people in the commune launched a campaign to clean up the roads, making them clean and beautiful.

Another highlight of Phu Dong is the development of its traditional craft villages. Names like Yen Thuong, Yen Vien, Thien Duc, Ninh Hiep, and Phu Dong itself are all associated with traditional crafts. In particular, the two traditional medicine villages in Ninh Hiep and the paper flower village in Phu Dong not only preserve the essence of the nation's culture but also generate significant economic value. Furthermore, the development of garden tourism, experiential tourism, and agricultural tourism is increasingly thriving, generating billions of dong in revenue annually and attracting tourists to visit and consume.

Towards a civilized and modern rural area with comprehensive digitalization.

Building on its existing foundation, Phu Dong is gradually realizing its goal of becoming a model of a new civilized rural area. The commune's Farmers' Association, with over 7,000 members, plays a leading role in this process. In the previous term, 4,557 members achieved the title of excellent producers and business owners, along with the formation of three concentrated agricultural production zones and five models of agriculture combined with ecotourism. By 2030, Phu Dong aims to have 90-95% of households achieving the title of "Cultural Family," 100% of Association officials receiving professional training, and at least 70% of members equipped with digital skills to promote high-tech agriculture.

Regarding social life, the entire area currently has 30 schools from preschool to junior high school, of which 28 are public schools meeting national standards. Notably, 11 schools have achieved Level 2 standards – the highest level in the accreditation system. National defense and security have been strengthened, and social order is ensured. The commune government has also strengthened the timely and proper handling of petitions and complaints.

The roads in front of the new Phù Đổng commune headquarters are clean and beautiful.

According to Mr. Dao Duc Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Dong Commune, the construction of advanced and model new rural areas is being implemented comprehensively, from spatial planning and infrastructure to human resource development. The commune government clearly defines responsibilities, assigns specific tasks, and effectively exploits the advantages of each region and craft village to create a comprehensive development picture. Technical and social infrastructure is invested in synchronously, from roads and lighting to public works, creating conditions for all citizens to benefit.

Notably, Phu Dong is aiming for sustainable development based on green tourism. According to the Party Secretary of the commune, Dang Thi Huyen, the tourism development plan for the period 2020–2025, with a vision to 2030, focuses on two key areas: developing experiential tourism and transforming the production structure towards green practices. This is a green economic model that simultaneously brings economic benefits and improves the ecological environment and quality of life.

Alongside this, administrative reform and digital transformation have been implemented vigorously. The commune's public administrative service center processes over 93.4% of applications correctly and on time, improving citizen satisfaction. Administrative procedures have been digitized, making them more transparent and convenient, reducing time and effort.

From a financial perspective, during the period 2020–2024, the commune collected 406.8 billion VND in revenue, reaching 116.7% of the projected target. Expenditure totaled 419.3 billion VND, of which 35 billion VND was specifically allocated to development investment. This investment focused on improving technical infrastructure, renovating public spaces, constructing cultural centers, sports centers, and recreational areas for children and the elderly.

By the end of 2023, all constituent units of the new commune had met the advanced new rural standards, with Phu Dong becoming the first commune in the district to achieve the model new rural standard. The average income of the people reached approximately 7 million VND/month, and living standards have improved significantly.

However, Phu Dong is not resting on its laurels. The commune government has determined that it must continue to innovate its approach, strongly applying digital transformation in production and services, and building a "smart commune" model oriented towards a digital economy, digital society, and digital citizens. This is not only an inevitable trend but also a practical requirement for Phu Dong to keep pace with the transformation of the capital city.

From a land rich in tradition, Phu Dong is steadily rising to become a symbol of the model new rural area – where culture is preserved, the economy develops green and modern, and people are placed at the center of all policies. With the strong consensus of both the political system and the people, Phu Dong promises to be a pioneering locality, making a positive contribution to the sustainable development strategy of Gia Lam district and Hanoi city in the coming period.

" This information page is a collaboration with the Hanoi City Office for Coordinating the New Rural Development Program."

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/phu-dong-tu-vung-dat-lang-nghe-thanh-hinh-mau-nong-thon-van-minh.html