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| Representatives from the Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station (far right) and the Hung Phuoc commune authorities present scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Photo: Contributor. |
Implementing the motto "3 close ties, 4 together" (close ties with the unit, close ties with the locality, close ties with policies and guidelines; eating together, living together, working together, and speaking the local language together), the silent but extremely practical actions of the Border Guard Force in the locality have illuminated the unwavering bond between the military and the people, making a significant contribution to maintaining political security and social order in the border region of Dong Nai province.
Close to the people, deeply involved in the local area.
Following an introduction from the leaders of the Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station ( Dong Nai Provincial Border Guard Command), we met with Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Bien, a professional military officer and staff member of the Mass Mobilization Team. With 30 years of service in the border guard force, including 16 years in mass mobilization work, Lieutenant Colonel Bien is considered one of the veteran officers of the movement of soldiers staying close to the local area and maintaining close relationships with the people, contributing to maintaining border security. The Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station is the fifth unit where Lieutenant Colonel Bien has worked and been involved in mass mobilization duties.
Lieutenant Colonel Bien shared: "The term 'mobilizing the people' is used in the military, but the general name is 'people's mobilization work.' This task requires both flexibility and perseverance, dedication, and closeness to the people to be successful."
In border areas, depending on the local situation and the specific religious and ethnic characteristics, mass mobilization work must be flexible and adaptable. For the people, especially ethnic minorities with limited education levels, the soldiers must disseminate information in a concise, easy-to-understand, and easily grasped manner.
For example, the S'tieng people previously maintained the habit of raising livestock near their homes, causing unsanitary conditions and posing a risk of disease outbreaks. Lieutenant Colonel Bien propagated and encouraged the people to move livestock pens away from their houses to ensure environmental hygiene. The persuasion work was difficult at first, as the people were hesitant and unconvinced. But then, with perseverance and the motto "slow and steady wins the race," Lieutenant Colonel Bien and his colleagues worked alongside the people to build pens while simultaneously explaining the benefits of keeping livestock pens away from their homes. They also guided the people on how to utilize manure to fertilize crops and increase productivity. Gradually, the people understood, believed, and followed the advice.
Lieutenant Colonel Bien also became a "mentor" helping people develop their economy . For families facing hardship due to a lack of knowledge about effective economic activities, Lieutenant Colonel Bien diligently guided them on how to utilize their vacant land to grow grass, build barns, and buy goats for breeding. This helped them escape poverty, stabilize their lives, and contribute to building a strong border region.
Lieutenant Colonel Bien has also actively participated in new rural development programs; together with the Border Guard and local authorities, he has implemented many practical social welfare programs such as: Adopted children of border guard posts, Helping children go to school, donating houses of solidarity, etc.
"When the soldiers gain the trust and affection of the people, mass mobilization work becomes much easier, especially regarding security and order in the area. Each citizen will be our 'eyes and ears,' helping us maintain political security in the border region."
Lieutenant Colonel NGUYEN THANH BIEN, Border Guard Team, Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station
Warm bond between soldiers and civilians
One of the important tasks of soldiers stationed in the area is to disseminate the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations to the people. Besides focused propaganda or through mass media, soldiers also dedicate time to visiting the area to "be close to the people"; understanding the customs and traditions of the local people in order to develop effective strategies for mobilization and persuasion.
Lieutenant Phung Van Dai (Team Leader of the Border Guard Team, Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station) has only been assigned to the unit for a little over a month, so everything is still quite new to him. However, with the help and guidance of his superiors and colleagues, he quickly became familiar with the area and the local people.
Lieutenant Dai recounted: “The first time I went to the village, the people welcomed me warmly. They brought out all the delicious food and drinks they had at home to offer… That warmth made me feel like I was living among my own family. It was that sincerity that motivated me to do my best for my duty and for the people.”
Lieutenant Dai regularly goes to the field with his comrades; participates in Party branch activities in the villages and hamlets under his responsibility to gather information; and encourages people to abide by the law and build a civilized and united lifestyle. For those in particularly difficult circumstances, he and his comrades pay more attention to helping people repair their houses, build livestock shelters, provide guidance on production, share their difficulties, and encourage them to overcome challenges.
Strengthening the people's support and trust.
Lieutenant Colonel Tran Huu Long (Political Officer of Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Station) stated: "Our unit is stationed in Hung Phuoc commune (Dong Nai province) and is assigned to manage a strategically important area of the border region. Therefore, maintaining political security and social order and safety is always our top priority."
Over the past period, in parallel with patrolling and preventing violations, the unit has also assigned soldiers to closely monitor the area and actively disseminate and educate the public on the law to raise awareness among the people. In addition, the soldiers stationed in the area have actively coordinated with other forces to help people harvest crops and overcome the consequences of natural disasters. The unit has also collaborated with local authorities to implement many practical models to care for the people, especially those in difficult circumstances, such as: "Adopted Children of Border Guards," "Rice Jar of Compassion," "Helping Children Go to School," "Cattle Breeding for the Poor," and "Spring Border Guard Program: Warming the Hearts of the People in the Villages"...
In just the first nine months of 2025, the unit mobilized hundreds of millions of VND to support underprivileged students; donated over 350 gifts to poor households, families of policy beneficiaries, and lonely elderly people, helping them celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) in a fulfilling and warm atmosphere... These concrete actions not only contribute to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people but also strengthen the bond between the military and the people, consolidating a solid "people's support" in the border region.
“The officers and soldiers of the Hoang Dieu Border Gate Border Guard Post are like family. Whenever there is rain or wind, and houses are damaged or need repairs, the Border Guard always assists the people. When the hamlet has a problem, the unit always sends people to help. The soldiers also care about cultural, artistic, and sports activities, and look after the children… From that, the people understand even more and are determined to work together with the soldiers to safeguard the border of the Fatherland.”
Elder ĐIỂU RÉT (residing in Bù Tam hamlet, Hưng Phước commune)
“To date, territorial sovereignty, political security, and social order and safety in the area under our responsibility have been maintained. The people's lives have improved significantly. In particular, the people have confidence in the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and the leadership and management of the local Party committee and government...” - Lieutenant Colonel Long shared.
An Nhon
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/tinh-quan-dan-noi-bien-gioi-6c0008b/
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