A Pillar of Public Trust in Frontier Areas

(DTO) Consistently implementing the Party’s and State’s policy of closely combining economic development with the strengthening of national defense and security, in recent years Defense–Economic Unit 959 under Military Region 9 has achieved many significant results while operating in the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone in Dong Thap Province.

Its activities have left a clear imprint not only in socio-economic development but also in national defense, security and the strengthening of the military–civilian bond.

EFFECTIVENESS OF CONCRETE PROJECTS AND PRACTICAL TASKS

The Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone holds a strategically important position for national defense and security in Dong Thap Province as well as the southwestern border region. The area is vast, with scattered population and challenging natural conditions. Socio-economic infrastructure remains incomplete, while the lives of some residents still face many difficulties. At the same time, the border security situation contains potential complexities, posing high requirements for building a strong defensive posture and safeguarding national sovereignty and border security.

From that requirement, the implementation of projects combining economic development with national defense in the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone carries profound political and social significance. These projects contribute to economic development, improve local livelihoods, and at the same time directly strengthen defense potential while building a firm all-people national defense posture associated with the people’s security posture.

Thoroughly grasping resolutions and directives from higher authorities, Defense–Economic Unit 959 has proactively developed plans to implement projects in a synchronized and scientific manner, closely aligned with local realities. Throughout the implementation process, the unit has consistently followed the principle that economic development is an important task while defense consolidation is a regular mission, ensuring a close, effective and sustainable combination of both objectives.

Senior Colonel Bui Duy Quan, Commander of Defense–Economic Unit 959, shared: “One of the highlights is that Unit 959 has maintained effective coordination with local Party committees, authorities, departments, socio-political organizations and functional forces. This coordination helps mobilize the combined strength of the entire political system, create strong public consensus, and ensure projects are implemented in line with objectives, schedule and practical effectiveness.”

Specifically, in 2025, Defense–Economic Unit 959 implemented a project to upgrade and expand the road to the border (from Dinh Ba International Border Gate Border Guard Station to Thong Binh Border Guard Station), along with bridges along the southern bank road of Tan Cong Sinh 1 Canal, with a total allocated budget of VND 45 billion. At the same time, the unit coordinated with local authorities to survey construction items, select priority projects for investment in the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone (Phase 5), and submit proposals to Military Region 9 and the Ministry of National Defense to launch a new Phase 4 project with a total estimated investment of VND 300 billion.

In addition, the unit has worked with relevant parties to resolve site clearance difficulties and strictly supervise construction packages under the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone construction project (Phase 3) with seven project components. Unit 959 has completed and handed over the border road section from Dinh Ba International Border Gate Border Guard Station to Nam Hang Bridge in Tan Ho Co Commune, a 3.5-kilometer road worth VND 27 billion. Currently, construction packages No. 6, 7 and 8 of the Phase 3 investment project are underway.

It can be seen that since the Defense–Economic Projects were implemented, the rural landscape in the border areas of Dong Thap Province has gradually undergone remarkable changes. Essential infrastructure systems, especially rural roads, irrigation works and public welfare facilities, have received increasing investment, renovation and upgrading. Roads that were once difficult to travel—particularly during the rainy season—have now been concreted, facilitating trade, production and daily life for local residents.

STRENGTHENING THE BOND OF MILITARY-CIVILIAN UNITY

Defense–Economic Unit 959 has focused on supporting local residents in developing production and restructuring crops and livestock in line with local soil and climate conditions. Through building and expanding effective production models, providing technical guidance, and supporting breeding stock, capital and materials, many households have gradually increased their income and stabilized their livelihoods, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction. 

Notably, in 2025, the unit conducted surveys and organized the implementation of two projects under the National Target Programs, including five production models such as technical training for 235 households; support for 216 breeding cattle, 19,000 chicks, and 480 breeding goats for 236 poor, near-poor and newly escaped-poverty households, with a total funding of more than VND 8.8 billion.

A notable point is that during the implementation process, the unit’s officers, soldiers and young volunteer intellectuals have closely worked at the grassroots level, “living, eating and working together with the people,” directly guiding and assisting residents in changing outdated farming practices and gradually adopting more effective production methods.

Alongside economic development, Unit 959 places great emphasis on mass mobilization work, identifying it as an important political task contributing to building a firm “people’s hearts and minds posture” in the border region. Through practical activities such as promoting public awareness and encouraging residents to strictly implement the Party’s guidelines, the State’s policies and laws, as well as national defense and security tasks, the unit has actively participated in the armed forces’ emulation movement “Joining Hands to Build New-Style Rural Areas.”

The unit also coordinated with local authorities to organize medical examinations, consultations, gift-giving and free medicine distribution for more than 500 residents in border communes within the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone, with a total value of over VND 400 million. At the same time, young volunteer intellectuals have been assigned to work in localities within the zone, further spreading the image of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in the hearts of the people.

Senior Colonel Bui Duy Quan, Commander of Defense–Economic Unit 959, said: “Through these practical and meaningful activities, the solidarity and close bond between the military and the people in the border area has become increasingly strong, creating an important foundation for successfully implementing socio-economic development tasks in association with strengthening national defense and security. One of the most notable outcomes of the projects implemented by Unit 959 is their significant contribution to consolidating the all-people national defense posture linked with the people’s security posture.” It can be affirmed that the Defense–Economic Combination Projects implemented by Unit 959 in the Tan Hong Defense–Economic Zone are a sound policy, in line with the requirements of the new situation. The results achieved have not only contributed to socio-economic development and improved living standards for local residents but also laid a solid foundation for building an increasingly strong defensive area.

By DUONG UT
Translated by X.QUANG