How about uncovering a place nicknamed the corner with taro? That place is Hóc Môn. We are standing in Hóc Môn a suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City. Its history is rich with tales of resilience and transformation.
Hóc Môn’s story begins in the late 17th century. People migrated here from northern and central Vietnam. They sought refuge from constant warfare. This area was undeveloped then. Wild animals roamed freely. Taro grew abundantly in the swamps. The settlers called it Hóc Môn. This means the corner with taro.
In 1885 a revolt stirred at the Eighteen Betel Nut Gardens. This further shaped Hóc Môn’s identity. The area became known for its anti-colonial sentiment.
A somber landmark exists here. It is the Giồng T-road junction. Many anticolonial prisoners faced execution by French firing squads here. Phan Đăng Lưu Hà Huy Tập Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Võ Văn Tần and Nguyễn Văn Cừ met their fate here on August 28 1941. This junction stands as a memorial to revolutionary martyrs.
Hóc Môn continued to evolve. In April 1997 seven communes separated. They formed District 12. Despite these changes Hóc Môn retained its distinct character.
Today Hóc Môn is a district of contrasts. It borders Củ Chi District to the north Bình Dương province to the east District 12 to the south and Bình Chánh and Bình Tân districts to the west. It acts as a gateway district to Ho Chi Minh City. The area is less tightly packed than the urban center. It is still busy. Trucks carry produce lumber and metal goods into the city.
Open spaces provide room for families. They can be seen flying kites between rice fields. A simpler way of life unfolds daily. Many pagodas and temples exist. They offer altars for imitation.
Hóc Môn faces challenges. Poor infrastructure has hindered economic growth. National Highway No 22 is often overloaded. Roads connecting to adjacent provinces are in poor condition. Land planning inefficiencies have stalled projects.
Despite these issues Hóc Môn has potential. Investment and better planning are needed. Improving traffic infrastructure is crucial. Clear and consistent land plans are essential.
The district is spread over 109 square kilometers. It has a population of nearly 463000. Hóc Môn is working towards urbanization. This involves meeting criteria for population area socio-economic indicators education levels and urban infrastructure.
President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc emphasized the importance of carefully selecting projects. These projects should optimize the potential of Hóc Môn. He urged the district to improve state management. This includes fighting corruption and wastefulness. He stressed balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Hóc Môn is more than just a suburban district. It is a place of history resilience and potential. As we leave Hóc Môn remember its story. From its humble beginnings as the corner with taro to its role in anti-colonial resistance it continues to evolve. It strives towards a brighter future for its residents.