The Hoa Hao Buddhism sect was founded by Venerable Prophet Huynh in 1939 and has since expanded to 15 provinces and cities from central Phu Yen Province southwards.
The sect has more than two million followers, including over 800,000 in An Giang Province alone.
In recent years, Hoa Hao Buddhists have actively participated in social activities.
They have raised millions of Vietnamese dong to help disadvantaged people throughout the country.
In 2007 alone, Hoa Hao Buddhists contributed close to VND46 billion (US$2.9 million) to build and repair 1,270 houses for the poor, build and upgrade 152 bridges, and 105 km of roads.
On the occasion, the provincial authorities went to six worship places to visit with some dignitaries and followers of the sect.
