An art performance dedicated to Spratly islanders. (Photo: Dang Tuan/VNA)

Nguyen Tan Tuan, Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, called for greater efforts to develop the district into an economic, cultural, and social hub and a strong fortress to safeguard the nation's sacred sovereignty.

In the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, Lunar New Year festivities have been carried out for residents, particularly those in remote areas and in ethnic minority communities, to ensure that no one is deprived of a festive celebration.  

The highlight was a festival during which officials and residents got together to wrap and cook banh chung (Vietnamese traditional sticky rice cakes) and participated in sports and art activities. All the banh chung made were given to poor families. Authorities also distributed gifts and essential goods to other local residents.

A Xen of Dak Kdem village said: “This year, the villagers have received strong care and support from the Party, State,  local authorities, and organizations. Poor and near-poor households were given gifts and banh chung for Tet. Those in the most difficult situations were given rice. No family will go without rice during Tet. Coffee and rubber prices are strong this year, so the villagers have been able to buy more goods for the New Year celebration.”