Amid complex non-traditional security challenges, climate change, and natural disaster risks, Hai Phong has proactively implemented strategic steps to protect people and property. In early 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued key documents, focusing on the 2026 Work Program of the City Civil Defense Steering Committee and the Decision to Establish the Civil Defense Fund, marking a turning point in modernizing and socializing civil defense work in the port city.
Building a Comprehensive System of Documents and Response Plans
The top task identified for 2026 is completing the system of legal documents and response plans for incidents and disasters at all levels. According to the Work Program, departments and localities will regularly review and propose amendments to civil defense regulations to suit the new organizational structure of the political system and the two-level local government. In Q1/2026, the Department of Finance will lead in guiding specific expenditure contents and levels from the budget for this activity. In Q2 and Q3, the city will focus on developing specialized response plans, including:
- The natural disaster prevention and control plan until 2030.
- Response plans for disasters caused by large fires, environmental pollution, and especially risks of radioactive leakage, biological disasters, or dangerous human epidemics.
- Plans to ensure security in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and energy to maintain defense and socio-economic activities during incidents.
Notably, the Department of Construction will lead the development of a response plan for disasters caused by building collapses affecting community safety in Q3/2026. This demonstrates the city government's comprehensive coverage of risk scenarios that may arise in modern urban life.
Strengthening Organization and Enhancing Combat Capability through Drills
To ensure plans are not just on paper, Hai Phong focuses on strengthening the organizational system and forces. The City Military Command and relevant departments will review, streamline, and improve the efficiency of specialized and part-time civil defense units.
2026 will be the year of large-scale field training and drills. Besides integrating civil defense knowledge into school defense and security education, the city will organize planned drills in key areas and localities.
Especially in Q4/2026, Hai Phong expects to participate in the Joint Civil Defense Drill between the Armies of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This important defense diplomacy activity helps city forces practice international search and rescue situations. Additionally, city delegations will visit and learn from drills responding to flash floods in Lao Cai, superstorms in Ninh Binh, and emergency situations at Central Military Hospital 108.
Investing in Equipment and Promoting Digital Transformation
The city considers investing in civil defense infrastructure as an investment in sustainable development. Hai Phong will continue implementing the project to improve response, disaster, and search and rescue capabilities until 2030. Civil defense facilities at commune and ward levels will be reviewed and reported in Q3/2026 for timely investment and repair plans.
Information technology and scientific research are also being maximized. The Department of Science and Technology will lead research into smart solutions for monitoring and early warning of disasters. Specifically, the city will develop organizational forms and the City Civil Defense Steering Committee E-portal, integrated into the city's electronic system to ensure smooth communication in emergencies.
Civil Defense Fund: A Solution for Socializing Resources
A highlight of 2026 is the establishment and operation of the Hai Phong City Civil Defense Fund (Hai Phong City Civil Defense Fund - HPCCDF) per Decisions 1116/QD-UBND and 1129/QD-UBND dated March 27, 2026. This is a non-budget state financial fund, operating non-profitably and managed by the Department of Finance. The fund is formed from: (1) Voluntary contributions from organizations and individuals; (2) Allocations from the Central Civil Defense Fund or related non-budget state financial funds.
The Fund's goal is to support civil defense activities that the state budget has not yet invested in or that do not meet emergency requirements. Priority expenditures include:
- Supporting evacuation of people from dangerous areas; providing food, medicine, and water at evacuation sites.
- Emergency relief and support for repairing housing, medical facilities, and schools in disaster areas.
- Supporting forces mobilized for incident response and recovery.
- Supporting agricultural production to restore livelihoods after disasters.
The establishment of HPCCDF reflects modern governance, reducing pressure on the public budget and mobilizing the entire society for community protection.
Propaganda: Raising People's Awareness
Finally, Hai Phong identifies that the greatest strength lies in the people. Propaganda on the Law on Civil Defense and related documents will be conducted regularly through press, television, and social media platforms. The goal is to raise community awareness, helping each citizen proactively prevent and have skills for sheltering during incidents on sea or land, thereby strengthening national unity in responding to threats.
With a methodical work program, thorough force preparation, and flexible financial mechanisms through the Civil Defense Fund, Hai Phong confidently asserts its position as a dynamic, safe port city ready to respond effectively to future challenges.