Ten localities to launch housing projects for Agent Orange victims’ children

The Deputy PM assigned the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of the 10 provinces and cities that have yet to begin construction to urgently complete all necessary preparations and hold simultaneous ground-breaking ceremonies on July 15, for projects to build and repair homes for eligible beneficiaries.

As of June 10, 2026, the Thanh Hoa provincial Military Command deploys 674 officers and soldiers to assist families eligible for the programme to replace temporary and dilapidated homes for the biological children of revolutionaries exposed to toxic chemicals, contributing a total of 4,592 workdays. (Photo: VNA)
As of June 10, 2026, the Thanh Hoa provincial Military Command deploys 674 officers and soldiers to assist families eligible for the programme to replace temporary and dilapidated homes for the biological children of revolutionaries exposed to toxic chemicals, contributing a total of 4,592 workdays. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Ten provinces and centrally-run cities will simultaneously launch a programme on July 15, to replace temporary and dilapidated homes for biological children of those who joined the resistance wars and were affected by Agent Orange/dioxin.

According to an official dispatch issued by the Government Office, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra commended the Ministry of National Defence and 24 localities for proactively implementing housing support for eligible beneficiaries. The programme has so far provided assistance to repair or build 1,422 homes for biological children of revolutionaries exposed to toxic chemicals who receive monthly preferential allowances and are living in temporary or unsafe housing, including 410 homes already completed, handed over and put into use.

The Deputy PM assigned the Chairpersons of the People’s Committees of the 10 provinces and cities that have yet to begin construction to urgently complete all necessary preparations and hold simultaneous ground-breaking ceremonies on July 15, for projects to build and repair homes for eligible beneficiaries. The move is aimed at marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947–2026).

She also instructed local authorities to conduct thorough reviews to ensure that support is provided to the right beneficiaries, used for the intended purposes and kept within state budget limits. Localities were asked to mobilise the entire political system, Party committees, administrations, socio-political organisations, armed forces, businesses and residents to contribute additional resources, accelerate implementation and ensure the programme is completed as soon as possible, thereby improving living conditions of beneficiaries.

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was tasked with urging localities to reimburse funds to the For the Poor Fund before July 24, creating additional resources for the programme.

The Ministry of National Defence was instructed to review actual housing support needs in each locality and propose a detailed allocation plan for financial assistance from the For the Poor Fund.

The Ministry of Finance was asked to promptly issue guidance on principles governing central budget support for localities and to closely coordinate with the Ministry of National Defence in carrying out the programme./.

VNA

See more

Young people take part in activities at the event to mark International Youth Day 2026 in Hanoi on August 9 (Photo: VNA)

Over 40 youth-led initiatives introduced at International Youth Day 2026

The event, organised by the Youth Advisory Group of the UN in Vietnam, brought together 44 youth groups, social enterprises, educational institutions and UN-supported programmes. Exhibition booths and interactive activities at the event introduced solutions created and led by young people.

The flag-raising ceremony at the A Pa Chai flagpole in Sin Thau commune, Dien Bien province (Photo: VNA)

“I Love My Fatherland” journey reaches Dien Bien

The "I Love My Fatherland" journey is an annual nationwide programme aimed at promoting patriotism, revolutionary ideals and civic responsibility among Vietnam's youth through visits to historical, cultural and sovereignty landmarks across the country.

Officers of the Dong Thap provincial Border Guard give gifts and provide information on IUU fishing control and prevention to fishermen at Vam Lang fishing port, Gia Thuan commune, Dong Thap province. (Photo: VNA)

Dong Thap tightens fishing vessel management

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, acting as the standing agency of Dong Thap's IUU Steering Committee, has been tasked with reviewing and updating the province's action plan to address recommendations raised during the EC's fifth inspection mission on Vietnam's anti-IUU efforts.

At the launch ceremony (Photo: VNA)

French-language newspaper launches video contest

The contest, announced this week, is a video-based evolution of the newspaper's 'Jeunes Reporters Francophones' competition, which has run for ten seasons since its 2016 launch with backing from the Asia-Pacific regional office of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Since the beginning of the year, Ca Mau provinces have inspected 100% of fishing vessels arriving at and departing from designated fishing ports in accordance with regulations. (Photo: VNA)

Ca Mau launches peak campaign to combat IUU fishing

As one of Vietnam’s largest fishing centres, with an extensive coastline and a sizeable offshore fleet, Ca Mau considers combating IUU fishing a top political priority. Provincial authorities said recent efforts have yielded positive results, particularly in fisheries management and law enforcement.

A consumer scans a product code to check its origin (Photo: VNA)

Legal safeguards for consumers in digital economy strengthened

Part of the Government's plan to implement the Law on Protection of Consumers’ Rights for the 2024-2026 period, the event highlighted key provisions of the law and its guiding documents, while updating participants on decentralised state management, complaint handling, dispute resolution and inter-agency coordination.

Foreign tourists on a beach in Phu Quoc. Phu Quoc will launch English training courses for local vendors, taxi drivers, tourism and service workers from September as part of preparations for the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc launches English classes for vendors, drivers ahead of APEC 2027

Under the project “Enhancing foreign language capacity for the community in the 2026–30 period, with a vision to 2045”, recently announced by the Phu Quoc Special Zone authorities, English programmes will be piloted at 10-15 schools across all three education levels from September 2026 to June 2027.

Fishing vessels owned by local fishermen are anchored off the coast of Ha Tien, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

An Giang takes zero-tolerance approach to IUU fishing

Alongside the continued implementation of comprehensive anti-IUU fishing measures, An Giang has proposed that the Government promptly introduce policies to support fishermen in switching livelihoods and decommissioning nearshore fishing vessels in order to conserve natural fisheries resources.

Defendant Nguyen Thanh Hiep is informed of procedural decisions by the police. (Photo: VNA)

Singer, media executive charged over YouTube music copyright infringement

The Investigation Police Agency under the municipal Public Security Department said on August 5 that it had prosecuted and placed in temporary detention Nguyen Thi Hien, owner of the YouTube channel Phuong Diem Huyen, and Nguyen Thanh Hiep, Director of Unicorn Vietnam Media and Entertainment Co., Ltd., for investigation on the charge of infringing copyright and related rights under Article 225 of Vietnam's Penal Code.

Vietnamese students and contestants from other countries at the AIMO 2026. (Photo: The AIMO 2026 organisers)

Vietnamese students shine at AIMO 2026 international finals

The Vietnamese team won one Champion title, four First Runner-up awards, three Second Runner-up awards, 42 gold medals, 83 silver medals, 70 bronze medals and two consolation prizes at the 2026 International Finals of the Asia International Mathematical Olympiad Open Contest (AIMO) held in Hanoi on August 2-5.