President Truong Tan Sang sent presents to officials, soldiers and the locals in Truong Sa (Spratly) island district in the central province of Khanh Hoa in honour of the upcoming lunar New Year (Tet).

The officials and solders wrote a thank-you letter to the President vowing to do their utmost to fulfill the mission of guarding national sovereignty over the sea and islands.

Disadvantaged people and religious communities across the country are also having a warmer Tet with practical support from the Government and many organisations.

On February 12 and 13, Hanoi People’s Committee in collaboration with the Vietnam Join Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank) handed over 70 houses to poor people, including many from ethnic minority groups, in Ba Vi and My Duc districts.

The same days, representatives of local authorities in southern Tay Ninh province visited and presented gifts to local religious organisations such as the provincial chapter of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the Caodai Church and Catholic, Protestant and Islamic communities.

On February 13, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union organised a New Year party for needy children with a fest, musical performances and gifts presented.

In northern Lai Chau province, more than 34,500 presents worth over 14.4 billion VND (671,078 USD) came to welfare policy beneficiaries and households living under the poverty line.-VNA