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.
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.
In recent years, the education and training sector of Hoa Binh province has achieved notable accomplishments, with a strong focus on spearhead education, which has yielded significant results.
With just over a month left until the school summer break, students are eagerly anticipating a period of rest and fun after a year of academic pressure. To provide a healthy environment for the physical development, in addition to the classes that foster talents and enhance the academic knowledge, sports and physical activities continue to attract a large number of children and teenagers.
On April 17th, Hoa Binh Provincial Museum organized a program to promote and introduce the outstanding values of "Hoa Binh Culture” at the Boarding Secondary and High School for ethnic minority students in Mai Chau District.
The Hoa Binh College of Technical Technology, in collaboration with the Hoa Binh Technical and Economic College and the provincial Association of Literature and Arts, hosted a gathering on April 15 to celebrate Laos’ traditional Bunpimay (New Year) Festival 2025 and debut the new book "Nguoi Muong o ban Don” (Muong people in Don village).
In the millennia-long history of national construction and safeguarding, people of all ethnic groups in Hoa Binh have been united and closely bound together to overcome all difficulties and challenges, standing alongside the entire Vietnamese people throughout the history of building and defending the country.
