A Single Message and Tens of Millions of Dong Changed an Entire Coastal Community in Lam Dong

For over two months, the tetrapod wave-breaking blocks at Ong Dia Beach in Phu Thuy Ward, Lam Dong Province, have emerged as a favored spot for photos among both residents and tourists.

Initially intended purely for coastal wave protection, these concrete forms have now been decorated with bright colors, transforming them into a lively display of coastal public art.

From a Simple Text Message

What has captivated many is not just the vibrant seawall itself, but also the fact that the entire makeover required minimal funding and started with a simple text message.

With just tens of millions of Vietnamese dong spent on paint and labor, a previously dull breakwater has been transformed into the setting for thousands of photographs daily, drawing more visitors and revitalizing the coastal tourism scene.

It was a relatively minor investment that yielded significant returns. In fact, giving a colorful upgrade to tetrapod wave breakers was not an entirely original concept.

According to Le Hong Loi, Chairman of the Phu Quy Special Zone, volunteers painted the wave-breaking blocks on Phu Quy Island as early as 2019, turning them into an attractive stop for tourists. This time, however, the project at Da Ong Dia Beach has attracted much wider attention thanks to its location along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street. The curved coastline beautifully embraces the colorful concrete blocks, making the site especially appealing to visitors.

What sets the Ong Dia seawall apart is not the uniqueness of the concept, but the commitment to bring a simple proposal to fruition.

As Nguyen Huu Thong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Phu Thuy Ward, noted, when the construction of Ong Dia Beach Park commenced in late April 2026, a provincial leader shared a photo of the vibrant tetrapods from Phu Quy Island along with a text message proposing a similar initiative for Da Ong Dia.

Rather than allowing the idea to remain merely a suggestion, local authorities promptly collaborated with sponsors to execute the project, yielding results that surpassed expectations.

In daily life, many projects remain unrealized not because they are impossible, but because there is a lack of individuals ready to make decisions, take responsibility and take action.

Occasionally, an idea requires only a small investment yet remains unrealized for years. Its actual worth is revealed only when it finds the right people at the right time-people with the determination to act.

A Story Told Through Brushstrokes

Beyond the vibrant seawall, the narrative of Da Ong Dia also embodies the spirit of the Government's Decree No. 73/2023/ND-CP, which encourages and safeguards proactive, creative officials who are willing to think creatively, take action, and accept responsibility for the greater good.

According to the Lam Dong Department of Home Affairs, following the decree's issuance, numerous government agencies and localities have actively implemented its principles through practical initiatives that are closely tied to the everyday lives of residents.

It is not by chance that Cat Tien 3 has received accolades for its model of "Six Clear Principles, Two No's"—which includes clear responsibilities, clear tasks, clear procedures, clear accountability, clear timelines, and clear outcomes, along with a commitment to no buck-passing and no unnecessary delays. Mui Ne has also rolled out initiatives such as "No Paperwork Day," "No Appointment Day," and "Compassionate Friday."

Even difficult challenges such as land clearance for the Bao Loc–Lien Khuong Expressway in Ninh Gia and Dam Rong 1 have been effectively addressed through productive public engagement and transparent discussions with local residents.

It's also encouraging to see the proactive embrace of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance services for both citizens and businesses. The Lam Dong Provincial Inspectorate has taken the initiative to utilize NotebookLM and Notion AI for case file analysis, Dak Song Commune has implemented 24/7 online public services, and Nam Dong Commune has adopted an AI assistant to aid in drafting official documents. These efforts illustrate the practical application of Decree No. 73.

When public servants step away from inflexible routines and prioritize citizen satisfaction in their tasks, the new two-tier local government system can operate more smoothly, effectively and compassionately.

Do What the People Need

From a public administration viewpoint, a successful government and a contemporary administrative framework should allow officials to innovate within legal boundaries, promote practical initiatives, and safeguard those willing to take responsibility for the greater good.

The new two-tier local government structure can fully realize its potential only when local officials shift away from the habit of perpetually seeking approval to mitigate risks and, instead, actively seek the best outcomes for citizens and businesses.

A colorful seawall may not transform an entire economy, but it highlights an important principle: when something clearly benefits the community, it is worth taking the initiative to make it happen.

The same applies to administrative reform. People do not necessarily need grand slogans. What they truly appreciate are slightly faster procedures, one fewer trip to submit paperwork, and officials who actively provide guidance instead of waiting to be asked.

Outstanding accomplishments do not always stem from massive investments. Sometimes they originate from a few cans of vibrant paint and a sincere commitment to serving the community. Most recently, on July 8, the Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee introduced a program to recognize and celebrate exemplary officials who are willing to think innovatively, take action, and assume responsibility.

This initiative conveys a powerful message: when public servants are willing to break free from entrenched mindsets and devote themselves fully to the public interest, the local government can truly become a dependable pillar, giving the region a new appearance and fueling its aspirations for a breakthrough.

Today, the colorful tetrapods signify more than just a new layer of paint. They express a strong message: when the government adopts innovative ideas, even the simplest objects can transform into significant landmarks. When leaders are willing to think outside the box, make bold moves and take responsibility, the government becomes more connected to the community, increasingly dynamic, and a true source of motivation through tangible actions that genuinely benefit the public.

Phuong Nam