Provinces and cities across the country have carried out humanitarian programs to ensure the poor and those exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin will enjoy a happy lunar New Year (Tet). The Central Highland province of Dak Nong has handed over 1,051 houses to poor ethnic minority households to celebrate the Tet holiday. Each house covers between 40-50sq.m. and costs VND20 million - VND30 million, of which VND12 million was sourced from the State budget. Socio-political organizations, armed forces, businesses and philanthropists also raised billions of Vietnamese Dong to repair dilapidated houses for local people. So far, Dak Nong has built 2,531 houses and repaired 2,728 others worth VND40 billion for the poor. This year it aims to build 690 houses for poor ethnic minority people.
The Red Delta province of Hung Yen has presented 38,500 Tet gifts worth nearly VND6 billion to war invalids, martyrs’ relatives, sick soldiers and war veterans exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin and imprisoned during the past wars of resistance. It also presented Tet gifts to 7 convalescent centers which are taking care of war veterans, sick soldiers and those rendering great services to the nation. The province planned to visit and present Tet gifts totaling over VND1 billion to the elderly aged over 90. This year, 89 elderly in Hung Yen turn 100 years old. They will receive silk pieces as Tet gifts from the State President. The central city of Danang and the Civil Engineering Construction Corp. No.5 (CIENCO 5) have handed over 130 Tet gifts and allowances to families of Agent Orange/Dioxin victims who live hard lives in Thanh Khe district. Each gift, costing VND200,000, includes cash (VND100,000), sugar, milk, instant rice soup, and other daily necessities. CIENCO 5 regularly assists AO victims on national holidays to help relieve their sufferings as a consequence of the past wars. Tam Truong Thinh - another Co. Ltd. in Danang - has also handed over 60 Tet gifts to AO victims in the city. Each gift, valued at VND250,000, includes rice, instant noodle, seasoning glutamate and jam.
