Residents of Chiềng Mai commune (Mai Sơn district, Sơn La province) are actively implementing criteria for building new rural areas. Photo: Mai Chi

Thanks to the Party's correct policies and guidelines, the campaign quickly came to life with concrete and practical actions, especially in a mountainous province like Son La that still faces many difficulties. In highland communes and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, the program not only contributed to improving infrastructure and increasing income but also fostered a spirit of solidarity and a sense of responsibility for the community.

According to Ms. Giang Thi Huong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Son La province, from the beginning, the Fatherland Front at all levels determined that the campaign must be implemented in accordance with the actual conditions of the locality, placing the interests of the people at the center. From there, many specific models and methods were selected, both close to the people and relying on the people's strength to implement. The synchronized involvement of the entire political system from the province to the grassroots level created a vibrant atmosphere of emulation among the people. Political and social organizations simultaneously responded with many practical movements such as the Youth Union with "Young people joining hands to build new rural areas"; the Farmers' Association with "Farmers competing in excellent production and business"; the Veterans' Association with the "Exemplary veterans" movement; and the Women's Union with activities such as "5 no's, 3 clean" to support members in escaping poverty and starting businesses. Many projects and tasks directly related to people's lives have been implemented using socialized resources. During the period 2021–2024, people throughout the province voluntarily contributed nearly 303 billion VND, donated over 550,700 m² of land, and over 234,800 man-days of labor to build public works such as roads, cultural centers, irrigation works, and schools.

In Mai Son district, 100% of villages, hamlets, and sub-districts have registered to participate in the campaign, linking it with specific criteria so that people can clearly see the benefits and actively participate. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh – Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Mai Son district, many households have donated hundreds of square meters of land, and many people have volunteered to contribute to completing common projects, creating sustainable collective strength. As a result, to date, the district has 9 communes that have achieved the new rural standard, and 22 villages and sub-districts that have achieved the new rural standard and model new rural standard. Not only Mai Son, but many other localities in the province are also gradually improving. The entire province currently has 74 communes that have achieved the new rural standard, 11 communes that have achieved the advanced new rural standard, Son La city has completed the task of building new rural areas, and Quynh Nhai district has basically met the criteria for a new rural district.

Notably, the role of women in the rural development journey in Son La is clearly demonstrated. During the period 2019–2024, women's associations at all levels developed 747 economic development models, helping 1,643 women's households escape poverty and supporting 846 women in starting businesses. More than 2,400 households met the criteria of "5 no's, 3 clean's," contributing to building a green, clean, beautiful, and safe living environment. Ms. Quang Thi Van, Permanent Vice President of the Son La Provincial Women's Union, said that the associations at all levels have grouped households according to economic conditions to provide appropriate information and support. Each local association registers practical tasks such as digging garbage pits, renovating houses, planting flowers along roadsides, etc. Although small, these tasks are practical and closely related to the lives of the people.

Beyond infrastructure development, the movement has also made significant contributions to raising community awareness about cultural life, preserving national identity, protecting the environment, and ensuring rural security. Many localities have developed regulations and customs, organized community activities, competitions, and the Great Unity Day to strengthen neighborly bonds and spread the spirit of solidarity and social responsibility. To enhance effectiveness, the Fatherland Front at all levels continuously innovates the content and methods of its activities, developing and expanding self-governance models in residential areas such as "Environmental Protection Self-Management Teams," "Women's Associations with 5 No's and 3 Cleanliness Standards," "People's Teams Free from Drug Crimes," and "Villages Without People Having a Third Child or More"... At the same time, social supervision and criticism are emphasized, creating conditions for people to participate in, benefit from, and inspect local activities. Through this, the role of the Front Committee and influential community leaders has become increasingly prominent, forming a core force connecting the Party committee, the government, and the people.

The achievements in implementing the "National Unity for Building New Rural Areas and Civilized Urban Areas" campaign in Son La are vivid evidence of the spirit of national unity, affirming the inherent strength of each community. The persistent support of the Fatherland Front at all levels is a solid bridge between the Party's will and the people's aspirations, creating a foundation for the campaign to continue spreading widely, contributing to building a new rural area and civilized urban area that is increasingly sustainable, humane, and rich in national cultural identity.