An Giang (VNA) – The Central Executive Board of Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha held a ceremony in the southern province of An Giang on January 13, marking the 106th birth anniversary of Huynh Phu So, the founder of Hoa Hao Buddhism.
Offering congratulations on the occasion, Director of the provincial Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Danh Phuc praised Hoa Hao followers for their profound patriotism, strong sense of unity and devotion to community welfare, noting their active involvement in patriotic emulation movements.
In recent years, they’ve invested generously in the socio-economic development of An Giang and the surrounding areas. Their charitable efforts, from building bridges and roads to helping poor households, constructing charity homes, providing disaster relief, offering free medical care, and organising blood donations, have all been carried out with heartfelt dedication. In 2025, their total charitable contributions topped 610 billion VND (23.2 million USD), including more than 194 billion VND in An Giang, making substantial contributions to local social welfare policies.
More than 86 years since Huynh Phu So first illuminated the path of Hoa Hao Buddhism, and 26 years since its official recognition by the State, the religion now spans nine cities and provinces, with nearly two million followers and 212 grassroots executive boards. It has grown into a religious and spiritual force in society, particularly in Vietnam’s southwestern region.
In An Giang alone, there are 72 commune- and ward-level executive boards, one provincial representative board, and the headquarters of the Central Executive Board, with more than 812,000 followers.
Phuc wished that the Central Executive Board and Hoa Hao followers would continue accompanying citizens of An Giang and the entire nation, adding through their engagement in patriotic movements, may they ever strengthen the bonds of national unity, deepen social harmony, and inherit and carry forward the moral and cultural values that have long defined Vietnam’s soul./.
Hoa Hao Buddhism founder’s birth anniversary marked
Hoa Hao dignitaries and followers will continue to uphold the tradition of great national unity, encourage and guide followers to engage in patriotic emulation movements, apply science and technology in production, strengthen solidarity within residential communities, and work alongside other religions to build national and religious unity.
