The Dao ethnic community in Tien Lam hamlet, Bac Phong commune, Cao Phong district is not only preserving their generations-old herbal remedies but also giving them a touch of professionalism. The Nam Ngoc Sang traditional medicine cooperative stands as a testament to this harmonious blend of ancestral knowledge and contemporary production techniques, creating quality herbal products that safeguard cultural heritage while generating tangible economic value.
Nam Ngoc Sang cooperative builds local herb-growing areas to support its
production.
Director of the cooperative Bui Thi Ngoc discovered her passion for herbal
medicine in 2018 when she began crafting remedies herself. Driven by a desire
to preserve and elevate this traditional craft, Ngoc rallied fellow villagers
to form the cooperative. Today, seven dedicated members are committed to
sustaining and expanding the rich legacy of Dao herbal medicine.
Since
its establishment, the cooperative has forged partnerships with local farmers
to source medicinal herbs and expanded its own plantation to over one ha. This
lush landscape nurtures valuable plants such as xa den (Celastrus hindsii),
khoi nhung (Ardisia silvestris), black turmeric, and thien nien kien (Homalomena
occulta).
With a steady inflow of resources, the cooperative has invested in machinery
and equipment to produce professional-grade herbal products. Their offerings
include topical balms and oral remedies designed to alleviate joint pain and
stomach ailments. Currently, the cooperative boasts eight products, with
standout items like stomach relief extracts and traditional Dao herbal bath
remedies.
To broaden its market reach, the cooperative has received invaluable support
from the Women’s Unions at various levels. Through networking and assistance
events, members attended training workshops, secured free product traceability
stamps, and joined trade fairs across the northern region. These helped
increase brand recognition and market outreach. Annually, the cooperative
produces around 300kg of herbal extracts and two tonnes of raw medicinal herbs,
primarily sold through trade fairs, at its workshop, and online.
Chairwoman
of the communal Women’s Union Bui Thi Dung underscored the cooperative’s role
in generating economic value and providing stable employment. Members earn an
average monthly income of 8-9 million VND, while an additional 20 local women
benefit from seasonal work, earning 5-6 million VND per month.
Beyond preserving Dao traditional medicine, the cooperative has contributed to
local employment and development. In recognition of its outstanding efforts,
the cooperative was honored by the provincial Women’s Union in 2023 as part of
the "Outstanding Grassroots Leaders and Community Role Models"
program.
Luong Son Industrial Park has invested in standardised wastewater and emissions treatment systems, enforced tight emission controls, reduced noise, dust, and solid waste, and expanded green spaces, contributing to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
Hoa Binh police are collecting public feedback on amendments to the 2013 Constitution via the national identification app VNeID. This innovative approach marks a giant leap towards modernising grassroots democracy and enhancing transparency in public consultation.
A total public investment capital of 113 billion VND (over 4.3 million USD) was disbursed for a project to upgrade infrastructure and stabilise residents in the vicinity of the Da River reservoir between 2021 and the first quarter of 2025, giving a facelift to local rural areas and improving the quality of people's life.
Since the end of 2023-2024 academic year, Cu Yen Primary and Secondary School in Luong Son district has deployed e-study records for all of its 500 primary students, said the school principal Nguyen Thi Tuyen.
The Labour Federation of Hoa Binh city has actively worked to protect the rights and welfare of nearly 8,000 local workers and union members at 152 grassroots unions. Through regular dialogues, education campaigns, and welfare programmes, the federation has helped foster stable, progressive labour relations.
On May 4 (the seventh day of the fourth lunar month), the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) chapter of Hoa Binh province held a ceremony to mark the Day of Vesak 2025 (Buddhist Calendar 2569) at Hoa Binh Phat Quang Pagoda. Bui Thi Minh, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Council, presents congratulatory flowers on behalf of the provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee.
