The Hướng Lập Border Guard Station is playing a pivotal role along Vietnam's southwestern frontier, managing and safeguarding its 28.6 kilometers of border with proactive community-focused initiatives aimed at enriching local lives and maintaining the integrity of national security.
Located within the Hướng Hóa district, the two communes under the jurisdiction of the station—Hướng Lập and Hướng Việt—are some of the most underserved areas, with 775 households residing there, predominantly inhabited by the Vân Kiều ethnic group. These regions face significant geographical challenges, including difficult access and vulnerability to natural disasters, exacerbated by seasonal rains.
Despite the hardship, the Hướng Lập Border Guard is spearheading various development initiatives based on the principle of “the people are the foundation.” This belief resonates deeply within the unit's operations. Under the guidance of local leadership, they have established programs aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges by engaging directly with residents to collectively work on solutions.
Major strides have been made to improve agricultural practices among the local populace. Armed with local cultural insight, officers have been instrumental in introducing efficient farming methods. For example, by replacing free-range livestock practices with organized controlled environments, families are witnessing considerable economic gains. The Border Guard’s outreach is encapsulated by the words of the station's political officer, who noted, "Many families, previously engaged in traditional livestock farming, are now benefiting from our suggestions to build pens on their property to keep animals safe and healthy, making for more productive farming."
One of the standout programs, launched just over a year ago, is the cultivation of cà gai leo, or thorny medicinal herb. The results have been promising, with each household expected to earn 8-10 million VND after harvest seasons. This initiative has proven to be both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable, giving farmers new hope and purpose amid challenging conditions.
Beyond agricultural initiatives, the Hướng Lập Border Guard has also demonstrated commitment through generous support strategies. Efforts have included mobilizing local businesses and organizations to donate resources, leading to hundreds of thousands of VND worth of aid and supplies. Officers have facilitated the distribution of essentials, including food items and household necessities, providing comprehensive assistance amid economic uncertainties.
According to Hồ Văn Đươn, the village chief of Cù Bai, the military unit has transformed the dynamic of community support. "The Border Guard has continually linked us to resources, be it through providing seedlings or helping to repair flood-damaged roads," he stated. This assertion captures the essence of community resilience and the enhanced personal ties forged between the border personnel and local residents, shaping the rural fabric for the future.
These local defense initiatives aren’t confined to mere economic upliftment; they are also strategically maneuvering to fortify border security. The Hướng Lập Border Guard has prioritized community engagement as part of their border security strategy, stressing mutual aid and cooperation with the neighboring Lao communities. A culture of open dialogue has been cultivated, fostering relationships built on trust. This aligns with their recent joint programs—like the “Cross-Border Cultural Exchange”—designed to promote shared heritage and collaborative conservation of territorial integrity.
Through this framework, local children from both sides of the border have benefited from cultural programs, participating together to forge friendships and learn values centered on unity and shared responsibility for national pride. These events, such as the annual Mid-Autumn Festival celebration across borders, have witnessed participation from hundreds of local children, fostering familial ties beyond mere citizenship.
Notably, the “Hotline Keychain” initiative, which disseminates contact information for the Hướng Lập Border Guard, has allowed local residents to report any suspicious activities or emergencies occurring along the border effectively. With 1,500 keychains distributed throughout local communities, residents are empowered to actively engage with security forces, creating unity against crime and illegal border activities.
This collaborative spirit has begun to yield results. There has been noticeable success reflected not only through enhanced cooperation by community members but also through immediate responses to incidents involving humanitarian crises, like early warnings of natural disasters or coordinated raids on unusual activities.
The work of the Hướng Lập Border Guard extends far beyond their uniform; they embody a living connection between security and community prosperity, intertwining the lives of local residents with national initiatives. With strategies aimed at economic development, cultural enlightenment, and mutual support, it’s clear they are redefining the concept of border defense.
By investing in community foundations, the Hướng Lập Border Guard is building stronger ties and preparing future generations to embrace their role as stewards of their homeland. Achieving security and sustainable growth is not merely a goal; it is the framework on which the future of this border community will thrive.
