Fifty years ago, April 1, 1975, became a special milestone in the history of development when Phu Yen was liberated. A new page of history has opened: the history of Phu Yen and the entire nation toward socialism, building a homeland "more dignified, greater, and more beautiful" as wished by the great President Ho Chi Minh.

Phu Yen Liberation Day (April 1) approaches; the National Historic Site of Route 5 at Gò Mầm Station, Phu Thu Town (Tay Hoa District) attracts many groups of students and youth union members. Young visitors come to learn about the Victory of Route 5, the fierce battle from March 19-25, 1975, in which the army and people of Tuy Hoa district successfully blocked the enemy’s retreat from Buon Ma Thuot to the Tuy Hoa Plain under the U.S.- Thieu Regime’s "Strategic Withdrawal" Plan, contributing significantly to the nation’s great historical triumph in the spring of 1975.

Secretary of Tay Hoa District Youth Union Nguyen Thi Kim Chi said: Responding to the peak emulation celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Phu Yen’s Liberation and the 50^th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and national reunification, launched by the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union, the District Youth Union directed all levels of subordinate delegations to organize Journey to the Roots and red addresses, visit historical sites, including the national historical relic of Road No. 5 located in the area. Understanding the heroic history of their homeland, young people will develop a stronger sense of pride and responsibility for the land they live in.

In 1997, Road 5 (now National Highway 29) was officially recognized as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information, now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. This designation serves as a fitting tribute to one of the most illustrious victories of the army and people of Phu Yen in their struggle against the United States for national liberation.

Reflecting on the Victory of Route 5, Colonel Tran Van Muoi, former Commander of the Provincial Military Command, who once stood on the front lines, defending every inch of this land, recounted: "Following the fall of Buon Ma Thuot (March 10, 1975), the enemy made the strategic decision to withdraw the 2^nd Army Corps from the Central Highlands to Phu Yen. Their objective was to secure the "lifeline" of Central Vietnam while awaiting an opportunity to reclaim the Central Highlands. The puppet army devised a strategic withdrawal along Route 7, moving from Gia Lai province toward Cung Son (Phu Yen) and then bridged the buoy across the Ba River to Route 5, coordinating with the puppet army in Phu Yen to hold Dong Tac airport, Tuy Hoa Town. Phu Yen Front Command determined that this was a golden opportunity to liberate the province. Upon receiving orders from the Military Region 5 Command, the 96^th Infantry Battalion of Phu Yen swiftly advanced west of Cung Son, coordinating with the 320^th Division to strike the enemy as they retreated from the Central Highlands to Phu Yen. Simultaneously, the armed forces and people of Phu Yen mounted a decisive blockade, cutting off reinforcements from Route 5 to prevent the puppet army in Phu Yen from linking up with retreating forces from the Central Highlands.

Following the historic victory on April 1, 1975, the Party committees and authorities at all levels in Phu Yen province led the people in rebuilding their lives, simultaneously overcoming the severe aftermath of war while charting a path for socio-eco development. Over the past 50 years since liberation, from a province once facing numerous challenges, Phu Yen has had strong development, converging many factors to be ready to achieve significant breakthroughs. In 2024, Phu Yen province’s budget revenue reached VND 5,447 billion, surpassing the central government’s estimate. The per capita GRDP was projected at VND 70.7 million. The economic structure continued to shift in the right direction, aligning with the transformation of the growth model. Key industries and sectors experienced stable development, while the material and spiritual well-being of the population improved. Additionally, national defense and security remained firmly safeguarded.

Tuy Hoa City being voted as a smart, green - clean - beautiful - bright city, associated with green growth and climate change response

Notably, on December 30, 2023, the Prime Minister issued a decision approving the master plan for Phu Yen province for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. This plan clearly defines the province’s potential, strengths, and development orientation, unlocking significant opportunities to attract investment and drive breakthrough growth. The bright spots in party building, socio-eco development, and ensuring the defense-security of the province in recent years and in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for continued progress. Phu Yen is steadily transforming its potential and advantages into socio-eco development values.

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Quang, former Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, said: The remarkable transformation of Phu Yen over the past 50 years of liberation is a testament to the unwavering efforts of the Party Committee and authorities at all levels in promoting the spirit of dynamism, creativity, daring to think, daring to act, and daring to take responsibility. That spirit has unleashed the internal potential in the people, turning it into material strength, creating a new face for Phu Yen. This is the most valuable asset that the Party Committee has formed from the foundation of the spirit of April 1, 1975.

Phu Yen is currently focusing on preparing the best conditions for the nation to embark on a new era of development in response to the call of General Secretary To Lam. Comrade Cao Thi Hoa An, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Council, said: Phu Yen is making strong movements, operating with a new spirit, new velocity, creating new motivations and new efficiency for socio-eco development, and improving the material and spiritual life of the People. Alongside the nation, Phu Yen is simultaneously performing many extremely urgent and important tasks. It is to carry out the revolution of streamlining the organizational structure of the political system associated with the restructuring of cadres with full qualities, capacity, task parity, reasonable payroll, and standardization of titles. That is to implement the revolution in scientific and technological development, innovation, and national digital transformation; to be the leader and guide the conduct of the Party congress at all levels, proceeding to the 18^th Provincial Party Congress, the 14^th Party Congress.