Local authorities say achieving the standards was only the first step. The commune has since reviewed each criterion to strengthen sustainability, raise incomes, improve the living environment and foster a progressive cultural life, with residents identified as both beneficiaries and key drivers of the process.
In the final days of the year, Chư Păh presents a markedly revitalised rural landscape. Concrete roads now connect the commune centre with hamlets and villages, bordered by greenery and flowers. Community cultural houses and sports grounds have been comprehensively upgraded, becoming familiar gathering spaces for residents.
In Bối Village, muddy dirt roads are a thing of the past. “During the rainy season, travel was extremely difficult and traders forced down prices because trucks couldn’t get in,” said resident Rơ Châm Phôn. “Now the roads are clear, children can go to school easily and we can produce with peace of mind.”
According to Nguyễn Quang Hưng, Vice Chairman of the Chư Păh Commune People’s Committee, maintaining standards superficially risks falling behind. “Right after meeting the 19 criteria, we reassessed what needed improvement to ensure substance and sustainability,” he said.
Transportation has been identified as the backbone of socio-economic development. In recent years, the commune has expanded, hardened and maintained roads across villages and production areas, ensuring year-round connectivity. Internal field roads have also been upgraded, easing the transport of agricultural products, cutting costs and improving efficiency.
Electricity and clean water systems have been comprehensively improved, with a stable national power grid and a rising proportion of households using hygienic water. Small-scale irrigation works have been repaired and upgraded, securing water sources for cultivation amid increasingly complex weather conditions.
Income growth is viewed as the clearest indicator of rural development quality. Chư Păh has prioritised restructuring agricultural production towards higher value and sustainability, expanding effective crop and livestock models and providing training and technology transfer.
“People no longer farm in a fragmented way,” said Rơ Châm Byeh, Party Cell Secretary and Head of the Women’s Union in Bối Village. “They apply new techniques, calculate costs and efficiency, and our lives are becoming more stable.”
Environmental improvement is another standout criterion. Beyond waste collection, the commune has focused on building community awareness. In Hreng Village, all 219 households now maintain clean homes with standard toilets and access to clean water, according to Deputy Village Head Siu Mlen.
Cultural life has also been strengthened. Village conventions have been updated, and civilised practices in weddings and funerals are increasingly observed. “Previously, ceremonies were lengthy and costly,” said Rơ Châm Bop, Party Cell Secretary and Head of Kênh Village. “With the involvement of authorities and village elders, awareness has changed. Weddings and funerals are now simpler and more economical.”
Education and healthcare, which directly affect residents’ quality of life, remain priorities. Schools have been upgraded with improved facilities, education socialisation has been promoted, and the quality of preschool, primary and lower secondary education has risen. Efforts are also under way to improve literacy among those aged 15–16.
The commune health station has been equipped with new facilities, enhancing primary healthcare, disease prevention and community health services.
Looking ahead, Chư Păh plans to further enhance transportation, irrigation, electricity, clean water, income and employment criteria. Roads will be maintained to meet “bright, green, clean and beautiful” standards, while irrigation systems will be adapted to climate change.
Economic development remains the central pillar. The commune is accelerating agricultural restructuring, supporting residents in applying science and technology and expanding effective production models that deliver stable incomes and sustainable poverty reduction.
Environmental initiatives such as “clean house, beautiful garden,” “self-managed roads,” and “green, clean, beautiful residential areas” will be maintained, alongside continued investment in cultural and spiritual life.
“A consistent principle in building an advanced and exemplary new rural area is putting people at the centre,” Vice Chairman Nguyễn Quang Hưng said. “All policies are public and democratic, and residents are not only beneficiaries but key actors in this process.”