Tan Phu - my pride and joy.

Next came a long stretch of foxtail grass, straining to reach its clusters of blossoms high into the air. Far exceeding their inherently delicate forms, they defied the scorching sun. Occasionally, a breeze would sweep through, causing the clumps of blossoms to sway like waves. Their delicate and pleasant beauty, like the very pink they wore, was captivating, yet not enough to make one linger, for the stifling heat and intense March sun of the southeastern Vietnamese midday sky prevailed.

Suoi Mo Park

Grass is a companion, helping people forget the dust and mud of the country roads. Grass uplifts the spirit to keep going, bringing them closer to nature. Grass possesses a powerful vitality. After enduring days of scorching drought and repeated chemical treatments, the grass still stands there, proud and smiling. Just one heavy rain, and the patches of wild grass will flourish, and clumps of young foxtail grass will sprout profusely. The grass's unwavering will to thrive is like that of the people who have lived and continue to live in Tan Phu.

Established in 1991, Tan Phu mountainous district is located in a remote area of ​​Dong Nai province, with the majority of its residents classified as poor households. At that time, the main inter-communal roads were mostly makeshift dirt roads. Rain would cause mud to flood up to half the height of the car wheels, while sunny days would leave red basalt dust covering the thatched roofs of houses along the roadside. It was rare to see a solidly built house with plastered walls and whitewashed walls. Most people used oil lamps for lighting and well water for drinking and bathing. Students walked 5-7 kilometers to school, often with their trousers rolled up above their knees. Those wishing to attend high school had to pack their bags and move to a neighboring district (Dinh Quan) because their own district did not yet have a high school.

Born, raised, and contributing to the development of Tan Phu district, I have witnessed the spectacular transformation of my home district over more than 30 years. The inter-communal transportation system has been upgraded to spacious paved roads with bright streetlights every night. Most inter-hamlet roads are now completely concreted. The percentage of households using electricity has reached 100%. The district-level hospital is a solid four-story building with an increasingly skilled medical staff. Each commune has a complete education system from preschool to junior high school, and a commune-level health station that meets the basic needs for common illnesses. High schools, continuing education centers, and vocational schools have also been fully developed.

The developing landscape of Tan Phu district is now further enhanced by highlights from many different fields.

A prime example is the Tan Phu Industrial Park project, which has become operational and is increasingly attracting investment from domestic and foreign businesses. The once deserted and desolate landscape has been replaced by bustling traffic, often causing traffic jams during rush hour. The increasing number of traffic lights is a testament to the area's prosperity. Thanks to the industrial park project, the income of most residents has increased significantly. Rows of sturdy houses stand close together. Vehicles fill every street. The Tan Phu Industrial Park is on track to expand, promising even more brilliant development.

Durian is emerging as a crop worth billions of dong.

In the agricultural and fisheries sector, alongside the development of productivity and quality of characteristic crops such as green-skinned pomelo and Phu Dien lotus, durian is emerging as a "billion-dollar crop." One notable example is the Phu An Durian Cooperative, which has received VietGAP certification. Visiting Phu An reveals vast durian orchards and bustling containers waiting to transport the fruit to various provinces and for export. Perhaps, thanks to the hardworking and diligent people, this land has generously bestowed upon it superior soil quality compared to other regions. Estimated durian yields in Phu An reach 15-20 tons per hectare per year (compared to only 10-12 tons per hectare per year in other areas). Furthermore, Phu An is developing tourism tours to visit durian and Siamese strawberry orchards, specialties of the region. This explains the increasing number of sturdy houses and traditional Thai-style bridges springing up here.

Regarding tourism development, Cat Tien National Park, recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2001, has become familiar to visitors, attracting a stable and growing number of both domestic and international tourists. Tan Phu also boasts many beautiful scenic spots such as Da Ton Lake, Phu Dien Cross-shaped Stone Lotus Village, and the Bat Cave volcanic lava cave area… In particular, the semi-artificial Suoi Mo tourist area is gradually becoming famous and attracting an increasing number of tourists. It features a crystal-clear natural lake, combined with an artificial beach, water sports, and camping services amidst stunning natural scenery, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. (Illustrative image: A corner of Suoi Mo Park)

The people of Tan Phu are not only amiable but also hardworking and diligent, which is why this land has produced many outstanding talents. Among them, many students have won national-level awards in English-language math competitions, the Internet English Olympiad (IOM), and one individual was honored in the "Aspiration for Peace" program organized by the Ministry of Public Security... And notably, Dak-Lua commune, Tan Phu district, contributed the first gold medal in Kun Bokator at the 32nd SEA Games (held in Cambodia) for the Vietnamese sports delegation.

Perhaps Tan Phu cannot be compared to other localities in terms of development scale, but starting from such a low point, the achievements are enough to show the resilience and strength of the people here, and I always feel proud and love my homeland even more. There were times when I lived far from home while studying, and that love accumulated into a deep longing, which was then expressed in emotional poems:

My dear Tan Phu, it's been so long!

Neither sitting on the ground nor touching lips,

The path is sparsely covered with lush green grass and plants.

The vast, desolate plains are interwoven with mountains and hills.

The body is full in the bustling place,

A heart yearning for a distant land.

Whoever goes there, please send this message.

My boundless longing for my homeland! (2013 - Missing Home )

The "Eastern Spirit" writing contest, organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper in collaboration with Phu My 3 Intensive Industrial Zone, is an opportunity for readers to share their deep affection for the land and people of the southeastern provinces (including Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, and Ho Chi Minh City), and to contribute best practices, new models, and creative, dynamic thinking of the people of the Eastern region. Authors can submit entries in the form of essays, personal reflections, notes, journalistic reports, etc., for a chance to win attractive prizes worth up to 120 million VND.

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