Quý talking with a local family about building a new-style village. — VNA/VNS Photo Việt Dũng

HÀ NỘI — Đoàn Xuân Quý, a leader in the village of Đồng Tâm, Yên Bái Province, has earned the trust and the respect of local people for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the community for all his life.

Quý was not native to the village. His family handed over their land for the construction of the Thác Bà Hydroelectric Dam and moved to Đồng Tâm in 1965. Being quick-witted and dynamic, he quickly integrated into new circumstances and won the favour of the locals who are all Christian.

His active involvement in the community's affairs was officially recognised in 1978 when he was elected Deputy Team Leader in the An Thịnh Agriculture Cooperative, a position he held not long before ascending to the role of a team leader. In 1993, he ultimately became an elected Village Chief of Đồng Tâm.

For more than three decades of his service, Quý has always promoted the mantra of "Sống tốt đời, đẹp đạo" (Living well, living your faith) among the community. He has knocked on doors and talked every single person into building a new-style village, which involves land donation and livelihood improvement.

And his efforts have paid off. Villagers have voluntarily given up over 1,000 sqm of land and other land-associated properties for road expansion. They have also donated VNĐ159 million in cash (US$6,536) to the government, which was allocated for cementing all roads within the locality.

He has also managed to rally the locals behind a donation campaign to erect light poles that illuminate the roads.

In terms of livelihood improvement, the results are not any less impressive.

Over 30 families have become high-earners, acting as models for others to follow. Some outstanding names include Đào Văn Tình who earns VNĐ250 million ($10,278) per year from animal breeding, Nguyễn Đình Kiều, VNĐ500 million from a grocery store, and Nguyễn Văn Hoàn, VNĐ600 million from cinnamon harvesting.

Quý visits a local cinnamon-processing facility — VNA/VNS Photo Việt Dũng

Phạm Văn Mạnh, Party Secretary of Đồng Tâm, described Quý as one of the longest-serving village chiefs who has devoted all his life to the prosperity of Đồng Tâm people. He said public relations always lies at the heart of his tactics to foster unity and solidarity within the community.

"Quý has well implemented Directive No.05 on learning and following Hồ Chí Minh's thought, morality, and style in Đồng Tâm"

"He is a good example for the 26 Party members in the village, who are also Christian, to follow," said Mạnh.

According to Trần Sỹ Nguyên, Party Secretary of An Thịnh Commune, Đồng Tâm is home to 372 families and comprises over 2,000 residents, being the most populated village in An Thịnh Commune. In addition to the Kinh ethnic majority, its cultural diversity is enriched by the presence of the Dao and Tày.

He said Quý, in his dual role as Deputy Secretary and Village Chief of Đồng Tâm, had spared no efforts in empowering people with knowledge and skills to improve their livelihood and lift them out of poverty.

"Everything would go like clockwork if it is put under his charge"

"Because of that, people expect him to assume the role for an extended period, even though he has served as village chief for three decades," said Nguyên.

Nguyên also described Quý as a humble and diplomatic village chief who had been adept at tightening the bonds of unity within the community. Under his leadership, Đồng Tâm had taken the lead in An Thịnh Commune in various aspects.

Quý has been honoured by multiple levels of government for his significant contribution to the growth of Đồng Tâm. However, he remains modest about his role in fostering the village's prosperity. He said it was the bonds of unity among Đồng Tâm's people that were the true driving force behind the achievements. —VNS