Giang Thanh district is a border area of Kien Giang province with a large population of Khmer people (concentrated in Phu My and Phu Loi communes). When mentioning prestigious people among ethnic minorities, we cannot forget Mr. Danh Hung (Tra Phot hamlet, Phu My commune) - Head of the Representative Board of the Elderly Association of Giang Thanh district.
At the age of over 70, Mr. Danh Hung still maintains his enthusiasm for ethnic and religious work. As a prestigious person among ethnic minorities, his daily life is always associated with the journey of propagating and mobilizing Khmer people to properly implement the Party's policies and the State's laws.
He traveled to all the pagodas in the area, working with the abbots to encourage people to unite to build new rural areas, maintain security and order, eliminate bad customs, and eliminate superstitions. Mr. Hung not only mobilized financial support for the construction of religious projects, but also contributed to preserving the rituals and festivals of the Khmer people.
Venerable Tien Cuong - abbot of Tra Phot Pagoda - said: "Mr. Hung is often attached to the pagoda, guiding Buddhist followers to follow the Party's policies and the State's laws; helping people develop the economy, poverty reduction programs... Mr. Hung works very actively and wholeheartedly, so people trust and support him very much."
As Head of the Elderly Association, Mr. Danh Hung has coordinated with the government to mobilize funds to support housing and livestock for poor households to escape poverty sustainably. The family of Mr. Tien Soc (residing in Tra Phot hamlet) is a typical example.
Previously, Mr. Soc and his wife's life depended on unstable jobs. Realizing that Mr. Soc's family was diligent and determined, Mr. Danh Hung mobilized to donate a house and a breeding cow from the sustainable poverty reduction program for the period 2021-2025. Now, Mr. Soc's family's economy has stabilized, escaping poverty in early 2024.
Mr. Tien Soc shared: “My family is poor, but thanks to the help of the government and Mr. Danh Hung, we have a stable house and livestock to raise. I am very happy. My family will try harder to develop the economy.”
Not stopping there, Mr. Danh Hung also inspired and encouraged people to boldly develop the economy. Thanks to his encouragement, Ms. Thi Chiem, another poor household, opened a small grocery store to serve the people in the area. Currently, after deducting expenses, Ms. Chiem earns about 4 million VND per month, enough to cover her family's living expenses.
For the people here, Mr. Danh Hung is not only a leader but also a prestigious person who gives them confidence.
In addition, he also made an important contribution to grassroots reconciliation, eliminating social evils, and maintaining security and order. By coordinating smoothly with the government, mass organizations, and religious establishments, he helped the Khmer people overcome many difficulties.
Mr. Hung shared: “I was elected by the people as a prestigious person, so I have to work with all my heart and not let them down. I go to each house to understand the people's thoughts and aspirations, and I encourage them to try to apply science and technology in production. They should not have the mindset of relying on others, but must try their best themselves.”
Despite his advanced age, Mr. Danh Hung’s heart is still full of enthusiasm. For him, the greatest joy is to contribute to the development of his homeland. His contributions over the past 10 years have not only helped change the socio-economic landscape of ethnic minority areas but also brightened the image of prestigious people in the border areas.
Mr. Tran Cong Dinh - Vice Chairman of Phu My Commune People's Committee - said: "Mr. Danh Hung is a concrete proof of the strength of solidarity, of the trust between the government and the people. He is not only an extension of the Party and the State but also a strong connection between the ethnic groups".
