(VOVWORLD) - 65 years ago, the Ruc ethnic people, who lived deep in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang forest in Quang Binh province, were discovered. They are now starting to develop economically by raising livestock and cultivating rice and corn, working toward a more prosperous community.
 The Ruc’s living conditions improve day by day. (Photo: Thanh Hieu) |
When 34 Ruc ethnic people were discovered by the Quang Binh Border Guard in 1959, they lived in caves, wore no clothes other than tree bark, were unaware of the existence of any other tribe, and had no contact with the outside world.
More than six decades later, the Ruc now have 144 households of 580 people living in hamlets called Mo O O O, Yen Hop, and On in Thuong Hoa commune.
Under towering limestone mountains and beside fertile rice fields stand the Ruc’s houses, adorned with bright red tiled roofs. A paved road runs through the village with street lights on each side.
“Our life used to be very difficult. Very few Ruc children finished high school. It’s different now. A number of our children are pursuing tertiary education in the hope of returning here to teach others. The life of the Ruc is improving day by day,” said Cao Xuan Long, Secretary of the Party cell and chief of Mo O O O hamlet.
The progress so far has been due to the efforts of the local administration, the provincial border guards, and above all, the determination of the Ruc people to enter the civilized world.
 Cao Thi Le Hang is the first Ruc person to pass the tertiary entrance exam. (Photo: Thanh Hieu) |
Most Ruc children now attend primary school. In 2023, 19-year-old Cao Thi Le Hang of Mo O O O hamlet became the first Ruc person to pass the tertiary entrance exam.
Hang is studying pedagogy at Quang Binh University and was honored to represent Quang Binh province at the recent 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Students’ Association.
“Attending university is my dream, although there remain many difficulties ahead. But with the State’s support, I’m determined to study hard so that I can help my family and contribute to society and my village in the future,” said Hang.
With support from the border guard and local authorities, the Ruc now harvest two high-yield rice crops a year. Many have borrowed money to plant trees and raise livestock following a model that has helped many households buy a motorbike and a TV and send their children to school.
 Ruc Lan paddy fields are located under limestone mountains. (Photo: Thanh Hieu) |
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Cong Hung, Chief of the Ca Xeng border guard station, said, authorities at all levels and the Ca Xeng border guard have helped the people build houses and given them initial livelihood support. “Their lives have significantly improved in recent years.”
Cao Trung Truc of Mo O O O hamlet said thanks to the Party, State, and local authorities’ support, the Ruc people’s standard of living and way of thinking have been transformed.
“Now we have electricity, paved roads, a school, and a medical station. Ruc villagers are united and are helping each other rise up. The Party, Government, and commune authorities have helped a lot,” Truc told VOV.
In Ruc Lan valley at the foot of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang limestone mountains, Ruc children are studying hard and hoping to prosper.