The Effectiveness of the Black Pig Breeding Model

A “Fishing Rod” Helping the Poor Transform Their Lives

Initiated in November 2024, the black pig breeding initiative was collaboratively launched by the Hiep Thanh Commune branch of the Vietnam Red Cross Society and higher-level Red Cross organizations, with the goal of establishing sustainable livelihoods for particularly disadvantaged families.

During the initial phase, thanks to the support of the “Blue Sky” project funded by Tran Ngoc Thien Thanh from Ho Chi Minh City, 100 black piglets were distributed directly to 25 households. Each family received four breeding pigs, comprising both males and females, with the expectation that this would serve as a foundation for a new source of income, helping residents gradually improve and stabilize their lives.

Over a year since its launch, the model has demonstrated significant effectiveness. Pham Thi Pho, a resident of Hamlet 26 of Phu Thanh Village, was one of the first 25 families to receive four black breeding pigs. Her family had been struggling greatly, as her husband was in poor health while she single-handedly supported their child in university. From the original four pigs, her herd has now produced 12 more piglets.

With clear emotion and happiness, she expressed that the assistance from the Red Cross and its sponsors not only boosted her family’s income but also provided invaluable moral support, helping her overcome difficulties.

According to Pham Thi Dien, Chairwoman of the Red Cross Society of Hiep Thanh Commune:“Through this gift, we hope it can truly serve as a fishing rod, enabling disadvantaged households to become self-reliant and gradually escape poverty through their own hard work.”

Continuing and Spreading the Spirit of Solidarity

In July 2025, a significant milestone was achieved with the official merger of Hiep Thanh Commune, Lien Hiep Commune, and Hiep An Commune into the newly formed Hiep Thanh Commune. Addressing the increased demands for economic growth and social welfare within the larger administrative region, the local Red Cross took the initiative to encourage authorities to further develop this impactful livelihood model.

On the afternoon of April 27, the Red Cross Society of the commune, in collaboration with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the commune and Sai Gon 9 Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company, continued to offer support for livelihoods to 20 households categorized as poor and near-poor in the villages of Darahoa, Phu Thanh, and Gan Reo. The total value of the support package was over VND 100 million, with each household receiving four breeding pigs worth VND 5 million. On the same day, healthy piglets were directly delivered to the barns of the families.

Expressing her happiness upon receiving four breeding pigs, Ka Tay from Darahoa Village pledged to care for the animals responsibly in order not to disappoint the trust placed in her by local authorities and sponsors. She emphasized that this was a valuable opportunity for her family to develop livestock farming, increase income, and make the most effective use of the support provided.

Recognizing the importance of the initiative, Nguyen Quang Minh, Chairman of the Lam Dong Province branch of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, emphasized that this is a profoundly humanitarian effort, demonstrating the timely support and concern from authorities and social organizations for underprivileged areas. The provision of breeding livestock not only fosters spiritual encouragement but also creates tangible livelihood opportunities, assisting local residents in gradually achieving sustainable poverty alleviation.

Looking ahead, the provincial Red Cross hopes benefactors and sponsors will continue joining hands with local authorities to expand effective livelihood models, contributing to the development of a more prosperous and civilized Hiep Thanh Commune.