During struggles for national liberation, many Khmer Theravada pagodas in Soc Trang province sheltered revolutionaries. In this peaceful time, the province has invested in refurbishing and promoting the values of Khmer Theravada pagodas.
Pô Thi Phđôk pagoda is located in a remote rural area of Ke Sach district. With investment from local authorities and Khmer people’s contributions, the pagoda has been upgraded.
Most Venerable Son Sang, head of Pô Thi Phđôk pagoda, said that during resistance wars for national independence, especially from 1952 to national reunification in 1975, the pagoda served as a reliable revolutionary base.
“Monk Cao Cuong did outstanding deeds during the resistant war against the Americans. He helped many people hide in the pagoda to avoid bombings and provided them food,” most Venerable Son Sang said.
During wartime, the pagoda was seriously bombarded. Soc Trang province honored Pô Thi Phđôk pagoda as a provincial cultural and historical heritage in 2016 and invested to refurbish its main hall, according to Most Venerable Son Sang.
“The main hall has been restored with investment from the provincial authority. Monks and Buddhist followers are happy. We are thankful to the Party and State for this policy.”
Ô Chumaram Pkếk Chếk pagoda in Vinh Quoi commune sheltered revolutionaries during the two resistance wars against French and American invaders. It was also heavily damaged by war.
To preserve and promote traditional values and honor Khmer pagodas for their contributions to the revolution, the local authority invested 43,000 USD to rebuild the pagoda’s main hall.
Most Venerable Son Phuoc LoI, head of the Ô Chumaram Pkếk Chếk pagoda, said: “The head monk and his nephew participated in the revolution. He sheltered revolutionary activists so the American troops heavily bombarded the pagoda. The Party and State repaired the pagoda.”
