Phu Dong: From a craft village to a model of civilized countryside

(PLVN) - Once known as the land of the Gióng festival and centuries-old craft villages, Phù Đổng is now taking on a new look: larger, more populous and more synchronously developed. After merging and receiving "capital" from localities meeting the new rural model standards, Phù Đổng is gradually becoming a model of the new civilized countryside of the Capital.

Strong change from the model new rural foundation

On July 1, 2025, the administrative apparatus of Phu Dong commune officially came into operation under the two-level local government model. This new administrative unit was formed by merging the entire natural area and population size of 6 communes and towns of the old Gia Lam district, including Yen Vien town; Yen Vien, Phu Dong, Ninh Hiep, Yen Thuong, Thien Duc communes and part of the area 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 more than 111,000 people.

More importantly, the foundation for Phu Dong to develop in a modern, green and sustainable direction is the result of the previous new rural construction. Specifically, before the merger, all the old units had met the advanced new rural standards, in which Phu Dong (old), Yen Thuong and Ninh Hiep were recognized as meeting the model new rural standards.

During the 2020-2025 term, all old communes recorded an average growth rate of production value of 11.65%/year. The economic structure has clearly shifted towards urbanization: services - trade account for 52.45%, industry - construction accounts for 42.49%, agriculture only 5.06%. In particular, the average income per capita in 2024 will reach 85.51 million VND/person/year, showing that people's living standards are constantly improving.

In addition to the economy, Phu Dong is a land rich in cultural traditions - the birthplace of Saint Giong, one of the Four Immortals of Vietnamese folk beliefs. The Giong Festival was recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In the area, there are currently 101 historical and cultural relics, of which Phu Dong Temple is ranked as a special national relic, contributing to creating a unique mark for spiritual and cultural tourism activities here.

The youth of the commune joined forces to clean up the streets.

Another highlight of Phu Dong is the development of craft villages. Names such as Yen Thuong, Yen Vien, Thien Duc, Ninh Hiep or Phu Dong itself are all associated with traditional crafts. In particular, the two traditional medicine villages in Ninh Hiep and the Phu Dong paper flower craft village not only preserve the national quintessence but also bring high economic value. In addition, the garden house model, experiential tourism, and agricultural tourism are increasingly developing, generating billions of VND in revenue each year and attracting tourists to visit and consume.

Towards a civilized and modern countryside with comprehensive digitalization

Based on the existing foundation, Phu Dong is gradually realizing the goal of becoming a model of a new civilized countryside. The Commune Farmers' Association with more than 7,000 members plays a key role in this process. In the previous term, up to 4,557 members achieved the title of good producer and trader, along with the formation of three concentrated agricultural commodity production areas and five agricultural models combined with eco-tourism. By 2030, Phu Dong strives 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 whole area currently has 30 schools from kindergarten to junior high school, of which 28 public schools meet national standards. In particular, there are up to 11 schools that meet level 2 standards - the highest level in the standard recognition system. National defense and security work is strengthened, social order is stable. The commune government also strengthens the timely settlement of petitions and recommendations in accordance with regulations.

On the roads, in front of the new clean and beautiful Phu Dong commune headquarters

Chairman of Phu Dong Commune People's Committee - Mr. Dao Duc Minh said that the construction of advanced and exemplary new rural areas is implemented synchronously from spatial planning, infrastructure to human resource development. The commune government clearly defines responsibilities, assigns specific tasks, and effectively exploits the advantages of each region and each craft village to create a comprehensive development picture. Technical and social infrastructure is invested synchronously, from traffic roads, lighting, to public works, creating conditions for all people 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 project for the period 2020-2025, with a vision to 2030, focuses on two key directions: developing experiential tourism and transforming the production structure towards green. This is a green economic model that brings economic benefits while improving the ecological environment and quality of life.

Along with that, administrative reform and digital transformation were vigorously implemented. The commune's public administrative service point processed more than 93.4% of records on time and ahead of schedule, improving people's satisfaction. Administrative procedures were digitized, more transparent, more convenient, reducing time and effort.

From a financial perspective, in the 2020-2024 period, the commune collected 406.8 billion VND in budget revenue, reaching 116.7% of the estimate. Budget expenditure was 419.3 billion VND, of which development investment expenditure alone amounted to 35 billion VND. This investment focused on completing technical infrastructure, renovating public spaces, building cultural houses, sports centers, and playgrounds for children and the elderly.

By the end of 2023, all the components of the new commune will have met the advanced new rural standards, of which Phu Dong will become the first commune in the district to meet the model new rural standards. The average income of people will reach about 7 million VND/month, and living standards will be significantly improved.

However, Phu Dong does not stop at its existing achievements. The commune government has determined that it must continue to innovate its methods, strongly apply digital transformation in production and services, and build a "smart commune" model towards a digital economy - digital society - digital citizens. This is not only an inevitable trend but also a practical requirement for Phu Dong to keep up with the changing pace of the capital.

From a land rich in tradition, Phu Dong is gradually rising strongly, becoming a symbol of a model new rural area - where culture is preserved, the economy develops green and modernly and people are put at the center of all policies. With the high consensus of the entire political system and the people, Phu Dong promises to be a pioneering locality, actively contributing to the sustainable development strategy of Gia Lam district and Hanoi city in the coming period.

" The information page is coordinated by the Office of the New Rural Development Program Coordination of Hanoi City"

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