Provincial Finals of "I Love My Homeland’s Seas and Islands" Contest Held in Dong Thap
(DTO) On the afternoon of January 15, at the multi-purpose gymnasium of Phu Thanh Secondary and High School (Tan Phu Dong Commune), the Command of Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3, in coordination with the Provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Information and Mass Mobilization and the Dong Thap Department of Education and Training, organized the provincial-level final round of the “I Love My Homeland’s Seas and Islands” Contest for the 2025–2026 school year.
Attending the event were Senior Colonel Cao Xuan Quan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Command of Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3; Mr. Pham The Vinh, Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Commission for Information and Mass Mobilization; Ms. Huynh Thi Phuong, Deputy Director of the Dong Thap Department of Education and Training; and Senior Colonel Cao Van Thao, Deputy Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command.
The provincial round brought together 100 outstanding students selected from commune- and ward-level contests, representing nearly 7,300 students from 10 lower secondary schools in coastal communes and wards across Dong Thap Province.
Contestants competed in four segments: Setting Sail, Riding the Waves, Making Landfall, and Marking Sovereignty.
The contest focused on fundamental knowledge of the Party’s viewpoints, guidelines and policies; the State of Viet Nam’s laws and policies related to seas and islands; Vietnamese and international maritime law; the history, geography and legal foundations of Viet Nam’s seas and islands; as well as local history, culture and society.
Through these activities, the contest aimed to raise students’ awareness of the role and strategic importance of seas and islands in national construction and defense, while fostering patriotism, national pride and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.
According to Senior Colonel Cao Xuan Quan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Command of Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3, in recent years the Viet Nam Coast Guard has successfully organized more than 192 editions of the contest nationwide, attracting over 430,000 students to participate directly. The program has awarded nearly 5,800 scholarships, donated more than 2,300 bicycles, and provided sponsorship for 26 students in especially difficult circumstances.
The contest has become an educational activity of profound political and social significance, a meaningful and effective platform highly valued by Party committees and authorities at all levels. It has drawn active participation from students and teachers alike, helping to inspire curiosity, enhance awareness, and strengthen students’ sense of responsibility toward safeguarding the nation’s sacred maritime and island sovereignty from an early age.
At the conclusion of the contest, the Organizing Committee awarded one First Prize, two Second Prizes, two Third Prizes, and 15 Consolation Prizes to contestants in the direct competition. In addition, 10 outstanding students who won First, Second and Third Prizes were selected to advance to the Southern Regional Final (involving Dong Thap, Vinh Long and Ho Chi Minh City), scheduled to take place in March 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.
On this occasion, the Command of Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3, in coordination with Cong Ly (Justice) Newspaper, presented 15 bicycles and 20 scholarships to disadvantaged students in Dong Thap Province who have shown strong determination and effort in their studies.
By HA NAM
Translated by X.QUANG
