Nurturing green shoots in your land.
From the Pa Khom Border Guard Post, we followed the officers of the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station for nearly an hour along a winding mountain pass to Mong Nam village, Xieng Kho district, Hua Phan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Not far from the Mong Nam checkpoint, a peaceful border village appears, with houses built close together and a long stretch of concrete road. On the hillsides previously used mainly for growing corn and cassava, the villagers are now replacing them with coffee seedlings provided by the Vietnam Border Guard. Rows of young trees green a portion of the slopes, carrying with them the hope for a new direction of economic development in this border region still facing many difficulties.
Walking and chatting, Captain Vang A Nu, Team Leader of the Mass Mobilization Team, Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station, said: Before implementing the "Sharing Love, Strengthening Border Connections" model of effective mass mobilization, the unit had visited the village many times to survey the climate and soil conditions, learn about farming practices and the aspirations of the people. Based on that, the unit, together with the Party Committee and the government of Long Phieng commune, mobilized social resources to support more than 6,000 coffee seedlings and 500 kg of fertilizer for households in Mong Nam village.
The model was piloted in 4 households, covering an area of approximately 3 hectares. To facilitate the transfer of technology, technical guidance, and the needs of the registered households, the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station selected households with adjacent cultivated land.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Hoang Lam, a professional military officer and staff member of the Public Mobilization Team at Chieng Tuong Border Guard Post, who directly guided the people in planting coffee trees, shared: "Because it was the first time they had encountered a new crop, the people were still quite unfamiliar with it, so we had to closely monitor and guide them, from adjusting the planting distance using string, which is 2.5 meters on sloping land. At the same time, we 'taught them step-by-step' to help them dig planting holes about 30 cm deep, mix fertilizer with soil for base fertilization before placing the seedlings, and also how to fill the soil, create drainage ditches, and maintain regular watering so that the trees can grow well..."
Mr. Vang A Khu, from Mong Nam village, Xieng Kho district, Hua Phan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, said: "My family used to mainly grow corn, and our income was unstable. We are very happy to receive support from the Vietnamese Border Guard with seedlings and guidance on coffee cultivation techniques. My family will take good care of the supported area to have an additional source of income in the coming years."
New plants, new soil, as if sensing the emotional connection with the Vietnamese border guards, the coffee plants took root and sprouted healthily in just under a month. To further green the land, officers and soldiers of the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Post continue to accompany and guide the people of the neighboring country in caring for the plants, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness to gradually expand the model.
Strengthening solidarity
In addition to supporting livelihood models that open up economic development opportunities for people in border areas, twinning activities, exchanges, and coordinated border management and protection are also contributing to fostering solidarity and friendship between the people and border protection forces of Vietnam and Laos.
Currently, the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station effectively maintains three pairs of sister villages: Co Chia and Na Mua with Hua Pu; Din Chi with Pa Khom Noi; and Pa Khom with Mong Nam. Through regular meetings, people on both sides frequently exchange experiences in production development and information on the local situation; and cooperate in disseminating information to ensure people strictly abide by regulations on border management and protection.
In addition, cultural, artistic, and sports exchange activities are regularly maintained during holidays and festivals, creating opportunities for people on both sides of the border to meet, enhance understanding, strengthen solidarity, and build a peaceful and friendly border from the grassroots level.
Mr. Vieng Thong Vonglokham, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Mong Nam commune, said: "Over the years, the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station and the Long Phieng commune government have always paid attention to supporting the people of Mong Nam commune. Programs supporting production development, exchanges, and fraternal ties have brought practical results, contributing to improving people's lives and strengthening solidarity between the two localities."
The Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station also effectively maintains its fraternal relationship with Border Guard Company 213 and Border Guard Company 214 of neighboring Laos. Since the beginning of the year, the two sides have organized four bilateral patrols along the border section from marker 238 to marker 247; regularly exchanging information, coordinating the management and protection of the border line and markers, and combating various types of crime.
Immigration and border control are being carried out strictly and in accordance with regulations. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Cong Luu, Political Officer of the Chieng Tuong Border Guard Station, said: From the beginning of the year until now, the unit has processed exit procedures for 336 people and 280 motorbikes; and entry procedures for more than 2,000 people and over 1,400 vehicles into the border area, creating favorable conditions for people of both countries to trade goods and visit relatives. In the coming time, the unit will continue to expand livelihood support models, maintain social welfare activities, strengthen patrols, and exchange information with border protection forces of the neighboring country, contributing to fostering the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
Late in the afternoon, golden sunlight gently bathes the hillsides of Mong Nam village. From above, newly planted coffee plantations are gradually covering the slopes with green, interspersed with peaceful houses in this border region. For the people here, these green shoots represent not only hope for a better life but also a symbol of solidarity and sharing between the people of the two countries. Through concrete and practical actions, the officers and soldiers of Chieng Tuong Border Guard Post are contributing to building a strong foundation of public support, maintaining a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developing border.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/phong-su/tham-tinh-doan-ket-noi-bien-gioi-A4BuPybvg.html
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