A belief in the aspiration to rise

Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, former Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council, recalls more than half a century of dedication and witnessing Điện Biên’s transformation, from hardship to today’s era of deep integration. He remembers when dirt roads far outnumbered paved ones, when travel to districts like Mường Nhé or Tủa Chùa took an entire day, and electricity or mobile signals in highland areas were a luxury.

Since the province was reestablished in 1963, and especially after the 2004 separation from Lai Châu, Điện Biên has been changing dramatically. National highways, provincial and communal roads have been upgraded or newly built, reducing travel times from days to hours. Điện Biên Airport has been expanded to receive larger aircraft, becoming a “gateway” connecting the province more closely with the rest of the country. Schools, clinics, electricity, telecommunications, and internet now reach even remote villages.

The economy has also shifted markedly toward commercialization, with specialized areas of rubber, coffee, macadamia, and high-quality rice taking shape. Services, trade, and especially tourism are rising as key sectors. Recent years have seen a surge of visitors, particularly during the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, offering new opportunities to promote the province’s culture and identity.

Mr. Tùng emphasizes that difficulties remain, from geography to infrastructure and human resources, but with courage and responsibility, Điện Biên can overcome them. What reassures him is the new generation of leaders: knowledgeable, dynamic, and innovative, yet grounded in the spirit of staying close to the people. He believes Điện Biên will continue to advance, worthy of its heroic history.

“Điện Biên today is not only about straighter roads and urban growth, but also the renewed spirit of its people: confident, integrated, and aspiring, just like the spirit of the Điện Biên Phủ victory,” he said. “With resilience and unity, Điện Biên will write new glorious pages in this era of renewal and sustainable development.”

A brighter borderland

Mr. Tạ Văn Sơn, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Mường Nhé commune, recalls its early days: sparse population, makeshift schools, no electricity, poor healthcare, and a weak grassroots political system. To overcome poverty, strengthening Party organizations and local leadership was key. Over two decades, Mường Nhé has transformed: all villages now have Party branches, poverty has declined, social security is ensured, roads and electricity have reached every hamlet, schools and clinics are sturdier, and markets are bustling.

The commune has also coordinated with security forces to prevent and neutralize threats early, firmly eliminating illegal religious sects and separatist plots. As a result, trust in the Party’s leadership has grown stronger, providing a solid foundation for new development.

Change on a historic land

Veteran Nguyễn Xuân Trường of Regiment 174, Division 316, who lives in Điện Biên Phủ ward, recalls hardships when his family migrated to Tủa Chùa in 1960, and later when he served in the army. Returning with war wounds, he has witnessed Điện Biên’s transformation: roads reaching villages, poverty falling, education and healthcare improving, and bustling urban life with rising tourism.

“Our generation shed blood for independence, and seeing today’s changes is truly rewarding,” he said. “I believe Điện Biên and the nation will continue to rise into a new era of prosperity and happiness for all.”

A prosperous and civilized Điện Biên

Elder Thào A Giàng of Tủa Chùa Mong commune, now over 80, remembers when famine was frequent and villages were isolated. He saw young men join the resistance against the French and the flag of victory fly over Điện Biên Phủ. Today, concrete roads, electricity, schools, and markets reach his village. “Where once a bowl of white rice was precious, now markets are full, and every household owns motorbikes, TVs, and phones,” he said proudly.

He hopes Điện Biên will grow richer and more civilized, with no poor households, better healthcare and education, and, above all, continued solidarity among ethnic groups, just as in the historic autumn of 1945.

“The nation has changed beyond imagination”

Veteran Vũ Ngọc Ước of Division 320, Army Corps 3, recalls the hardships of the anti-US resistance: worn-out uniforms, scarce food, and harsh winters. Returning after liberation, he saw Điện Biên struggle with poverty, but today it has transformed from battlefield to young city. He values not only the development but also the Party and State’s care for veterans and families of contributors, through healthcare, housing support, and regular welfare policies.

He urges today’s youth to inherit this legacy, safeguard the borderlands, and build a prosperous homeland, ensuring “the mountains catch up with the plains,” as President Hồ Chí Minh once wished.

Youth dedication through knowledge and innovation

For Mr. Trần Thanh Bắc, Secretary of the Youth Union at Điện Biên Pedagogical College, today’s youth must contribute not only through patriotism but also by applying knowledge, innovation, and resilience. Many young people now use digital technology in farming, develop OCOP products, and launch start-ups, while also volunteering in education, environment, and healthcare initiatives.

Programs such as “Youth Month,” “Summer Volunteer Campaign,” and start-up competitions have nurtured creativity and dedication. At the college, activities like “Creative Start-up Ideas,” “Green Library Spaces,” and “Lighting the Path of Knowledge” inspire students, especially ethnic minority youth, to contribute.

For him, true contribution begins with small actions: a creative idea for the community, a digital solution for daily life, or a tourism project to preserve cultural heritage. “With natural resources, cultural traditions, and timely support, Điện Biên’s youth can reach far and become pioneers in building a modern, humane, and sustainable homeland,” he affirmed.