In recent times, the “Joining Hands to Eliminate Temporary and Dilapidated Houses” movement has been widely implemented by the armed forces of Điện Biên, including the Border Guard Command, Military Command, and Police force, in border communes.

Major Nguyễn Văn Chính, Political Officer of the Nà Hỳ Border Post, shared that in response to the government’s policy of eliminating temporary houses, and under the direction of the provincial Border Guard Command, the unit has proactively developed a plan to support poor households in the commune to build new homes. The post’s officers and soldiers directly contributed over 60 visits and 15 working days to helping the locals construct their homes.

These houses are not only shelters from the sun and rain but also symbols of stability, providing a foundation for people to feel secure in their villages, protect the forests, and preserve every inch of the border land. As Major Chính said: “Eliminating temporary houses is not just a material issue. It is a deeply humane action, a clear demonstration of the policies of the Party and State, and the enduring bond between the military and the people at the country’s border.”

One example is Chảo Vần Pố, a Dao man in Sín Chải hamlet, one of the most disadvantaged households. With a VND 60 million grant from the program, combined with the family’s savings, he was able to build a 70m2 house. During the construction, he was moved to see the young soldiers carrying cement, bricks, and sharing hurried meals under a temporary shelter. “I never thought I would have a house like this. I never imagined the soldiers would come to help so kindly, like family. I am deeply touched,” said Pố.

Not only in Nà Hỳ, the spirit of “helping the less fortunate” has also spread strongly across other border posts. At the Border Post of the Tây Trang International Border Gate, since 2024, the unit has helped build 4 houses, contributing a total of 60 days of labor from the officers and soldiers. Major Nguyễn Tuấn Vũ, Deputy Political Officer of the post, said: “We launched this movement across the unit, organized competitions, and raised awareness so that every soldier would understand the meaning and responsibility of helping the people escape poverty and have a solid home.”

One of those helped was Vừ Thị Xông, over 70 years old, from Na Ư commune (Điện Biên district). Her old house was patched up, leaking in the rain and letting in cold winds in the winter. She was supported with a new, sturdy house. Xông emotionally said: “I only hoped for a roof that would not leak, and I am so grateful that the soldiers helped me so much. I am old now, and I cannot do much, I just want to thank them deeply!” Her new house was supported with VND 100 million for materials, with all labor contributed by the officers of the Border Post of the Tây Trang International Border Gate and local villagers. Now, the house is not only sturdier but also a peaceful haven in her final years.

In another part of Điện Biên, in Mường Pồn 1 hamlet (Mường Pồn commune, Điện Biên district), the atmosphere of building new houses is even warmer thanks to the help of 30 officers and soldiers from the provincial Military Command. This activity is part of the relocation and resettlement plan for households living in areas prone to landslides, flash floods, and landslides.

According to reports, the entire village has 19 households that need to be relocated. Each household is supported with VND 50 million by the Ministry of National Defense. Households with homes severely damaged by natural disasters are considered for additional support of VND 30 million according to the current regulations. The total support can reach up to VND 80 million per household, enabling families to build new, solid, and safe homes, and settle down in a stable life in their new location.

As soon as the relocation plan was approved, the provincial Military Command mobilized its forces to directly go to the village to implement specific tasks together with the local authorities. Not only providing manpower, but the officers also helped people dig foundations, build frames, and lay roofs in hot weather and under a lack of basic living equipment. The entire process of building the houses is expected to take about two months.

Along with the provincial armed forces’ active support for social security, by April 2025, the police force had completed and handed over 10 gratitude houses, while also breaking ground for five more in communes such as Nà Tấu (Điện Biên Phủ city), Sam Mứn, and Na Tông (Điện Biên district)... These houses are not just shelters but symbols of care and sharing with the poor and the disadvantaged.

Amidst the vast forests, these homes of affection continue to rise quietly, telling the beautiful story of soldiers who not only know how to hold a gun but also bring warm hearts to the people, strengthening the bond between the military and the people.