Through their exemplary behavior, sense of responsibility, perseverance, and persuasion, influential elders mobilize local people to comply with Party guidelines, state policies, and laws, while actively developing the economy, preserving cultural identities, fostering a civilized lifestyle, and leading upright moral and civic lives.

In Mường Nhé village, Mường Nhé commune, Thào A Hồ is one such influential elder. Over many years, undaunted by hardships, Thào A Hồ has consistently dedicated time to visiting households to disseminate Party guidelines, state policies, and laws. He encourages villagers to transform their mindset and production methods, boost economic development, eliminate backward customs, maintain security and order, and strengthen community unity. For local residents, each word of encouragement stems from genuine sincerity and the exemplary conduct within his own family.

Practicing what he preaches, Thào A Hồ took the lead in restructuring crop patterns. When commune authorities promoted coffee cultivation, he was among the first to boldly convert over one hectare of low-yield swidden land to coffee. With lush rows of coffee thriving after two years of cultivation, he gained a solid foundation to demonstrate the crop’s suitability to villagers. To date, dozens of households in Mường Nhé village have converted unproductive farmland to coffee.

Thào A Hồ shared that as an influential figure, one must take the lead so villagers can see tangible results. Previously, locals were hesitant about shifting to coffee, so his family planted first. With the plants flourishing, he continues to mobilize villagers to join in, hoping that more households will grow coffee, secure stable incomes, improve their living standards, and contribute to the village’s development.

In Tin Tốc village, Mường Ảng commune, Lò Văn Đưa is deeply trusted and revered by the community. Elected by the people as an influential figure in 2022, Lò Văn Đưa determined that encouraging others required setting a personal and familial example first. Alongside actively disseminating Party guidelines and state laws, he spearheaded household economic development through livestock and poultry farming, aquaculture, and coffee cultivation. This integrated model generates hundreds of millions of VND annually, serving as vivid proof to share practical experience and motivate fellow villagers to expand production and increase income.

Lò Văn Mười, Head of Tin Tốc village, Mường Ảng commune, noted that thanks to the partnership of influential figures like Lò Văn Đưa, numerous Party guidelines have been swiftly and effectively put into practice at the grassroots level. Patriotic emulation movements are enthusiastically embraced by residents. In 2025, over 90% of households in the village earned the “Cultural Family” title, elevating both the material and spiritual well-being of the community.

With 37 influential figures actively contributing across various domains of social life, Búng Lao commune has established a core network for public outreach. Beyond serving as a spiritual pillar for ethnic communities, these elders act as a bridge connecting party committees and local authorities with the people, promptly capturing public sentiments and aspirations, reflecting grassroots issues, and building consensus around the implementation of Party guidelines and state laws.

Bùi Thị Quyên, Head of the Socio-Cultural Office of Búng Lao commune, stated that influential elders represent the core force in grassroots mass mobilization. Through their proximity to the people, deep understanding of customs, and public trust, they have contributed significantly to consensus-building, strengthening solidarity, and maintaining security and order across the locality.

To further amplify the role of influential figures, party committees and authorities in Búng Lao commune regularly facilitate their participation in offering input on local affairs. During holidays, traditional festivals, and major events, the commune organizes meetings and visits to listen to their thoughts, while promptly commending and encouraging their contributions, reinforcing their bridging role between local governance and the community.

Quàng Văn Cá, an influential figure in Tọ Cuông village, Búng Lao commune, shared that local elders are delighted by the consistent attention and favorable conditions provided by party committees and authorities to fulfill their roles. This recognition serves as both encouragement and a sense of duty to continue mobilizing villagers to unite, develop the economy, preserve cultural heritage, and build an increasingly prosperous village.

Across Điện Biên province, more than 1,000 influential figures serve as active drivers in all aspects of life. Some pioneer innovative economic practices that open new paths for their communities, others persistently guide villagers away from outdated customs toward cultural living, and many serve as essential conduits bringing policies closer to ethnic minority groups. Through these contributions, community bonds are tightened, villages remain stable, and local authorities at all levels are empowered to carry out national target programs, progressively reduce poverty, and build a prosperous, fulfilling life.