Journey to overcome poverty
65 years ago, during a patrol, the Border Guard force unexpectedly discovered the Ruc people living in the Ma Ma Ca Tap caves (Phong Nha - Ke Bang). Their life is completely dependent on nature: hunting, gathering, wearing tree bark, and taking shelter in stone arches. The name "Ruc" comes from the habit of living near sources of ruc water (water from limestone mountains or underground).
After months of persuasion, the border guards brought the first 11 families to settle in the Ruc Lan valley. This was the beginning of a journey of more than half a century, with many hardships, for them to integrate into a new life.
However, not long after settling down, war and disease forced the Ruc people to return to the caves. The government once again persistently campaigned for the Ruc people to return to the community, thereby building a stable life.
Nowadays, Ruc villages such as Mo O O O, Yen Hop and On (Thuong Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province) have emerged in the middle of Ruc Lan valley with spacious houses and bright red tiled roofs. Their material and spiritual life has made significant progress. People have not only become familiar with growing rice and corn, but also learned new economic models for development. Rice and corn have ensured a stable food source for the people, gradually reducing their dependence on natural exploitation.
According to Mr. Cao Trung Truc, a prestigious person in Mo O O O village, life today is very different from the past. “Now there is electricity, roads, schools, and stations. People are united and support each other to escape poverty. Especially, thanks to the encouragement and support from the government and the Border Guard, the Ruc people have boldly learned to develop their economy,” he shared.
Big changes after 65 years
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Cong Hung - Head of Ca Xeng Border Guard Station, Quang Binh Provincial Border Guard said that the Ruc people now not only grow rice but also know how to borrow capital to plant forests and raise livestock according to the farm model. Many families have bought motorbikes and televisions, improving their lives. Young generations are educated, broadening their knowledge, contributing to changing the face of the village.
In the development of the Ruc people, the younger generation plays an important role. A typical example is Mr. Cao Xuan Long (24 years old), currently the Party Cell Secretary, Village Chief and Head of the Front Work Committee of Mo O O O Village. Mr. Long is the second generation after the Ruc people left the cave, representing the will and determination of the community to rise up. Under his leadership, the people are increasingly proactive in escaping poverty and building a prosperous life.
After 65 years, the Ruc people have transformed from an isolated tribe facing the risk of extinction to a developing community. Settlement policies, livelihood support and education have brought about miraculous changes. The Ruc people’s journey from wilderness to civilized life is a clear testament to the tireless efforts of the local government and people.
Today, in the middle of the Ruc Lan valley, the village of the Ruc people has taken on a new look. The long concrete roads, the bright street lights every night, the children happily going to school with their bags - all are proof of the strong journey of development.
The 65-year journey of the Ruc people is not only the story of a tribe, but also a symbol of the will, aspiration and strong vitality of the Vietnamese people.
