Nurturing disciplined and responsible youth can significantly contribute to national development and long-term stability.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing underscored that drug use seriously harms the lives of young people; local authorities in Padaung Township must systematically take measures to prevent the use of narcotics.
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday morning said so at the meeting with departmental officials and town elders in Padaung of Bago Region.
On the occasion, the Senior General said that the country requires skilled human resources to promote agricultural and livestock activities. Therefore, the State is actively supporting the promotion of education qualifications of the people and encourages efforts to further develop the skilled human resources within Padaung Township.
He highlighted that the State establishes the industrial, agricultural and livestock basic education high schools in respective districts across the nation, and further plans are underway to open more similar schools in the remaining districts.
The Senior General underlined that turning out the youths who follow prescribed disciplines can contribute much to development undertakings of the State as well as restoration of peace and stability.
He added that by providing opportunities for disciplined and responsible youth to receive education, the country’s development and stability can be greatly supported and promoted.
He continued that Padaung Township will be able to cultivate Pawsan Hmwe rice with high yields by systematically planting improved rice varieties. It is encouraged to further develop the cultivation of this high-value Pawsan rice in an economically beneficial way.
The Senior General urged the residents to further increase the cultivation of oil crops such as sunflower and soya bean, which help support domestic edible oil production. Similarly, efforts should be made to promote the cultivation of the cotton crop in Padaung Township.
Regarding the livestock sector, he noted that it is necessary to further expand the rearing of broilers and layers, pigs, and dairy cows in Padaung Township to support food supply.
The Senior General emphasized that, as drug use seriously harms the lives of young people, responsible authorities in Padaung Township must systematically supervise and take measures to prevent the use of narcotics.
He revealed that the State has now successfully held Phase I of the election, which took place on 28 December 2025. The remaining Phases II and III elections will continue to be conducted. In Phase I of the election, a large number of votes were cast, showing that the people have a strong desire to participate in the democratic process. Therefore, the election can be considered a successful one.
Therefore, he urged local authorities to strive for higher voter turnout during the election in the Padaung region.
He stressed that when voting, voters need to cast votes for candidates who can serve the interests of the State and the local community, uphold the interests of all ethnic groups and religions, and work in cooperation with the Tatmadaw to ensure the continued stability and existence of the nation.
The Bago Region chief minister reported on agriculture and livestock undertakings, running of the river water pumping stations to irrigate the farmlands, food security of the region, development for MSME businesses, conducting the vocational courses, promotion of education and health sectors, and preparations to hold the election.
Town elders expressed their wish to establish a landmark for Padaung Township’s Oakshikpin town, which is located at the focal point of four Regions, their pleasure for the visit of the Senior General to their township, the successful holding of the 2025 multiparty democratic general election phase I, and the united strength of residents from Padaung Township for the successful holding of the election.
Union Ministers U Ko Ko Lwin, Dr Charlie Than and U Min Naung discussed the sound foundations of Padaung Township to operate industries, agriculture and livestock, and service sectors, some requirements for the agro-based industries, generating electricity for successfully operating the service sector, the encouragement to MSME businesses with capital, technology and inputs to create job opportunities for residents, supply of agricultural water in the township, running of the solar-powered river water pumping stations, and the learning of techniques at nearby agriculture and livestock institutes.
The Senior General viewed the products manufactured by MSME businesses in Padaung Township and gave necessary guidance to officials.
Also, present at the meeting were Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union ministers, Chief Minister of Bago Region U Myo Swe Win, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Southern Command and deputy ministers. — MNA/TTA
