The United Arab Emirates has begun construction of a 60-home village in the southern Philippines as part of a humanitarian effort to support local families.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah, led the launch ceremony in Zamboanga del Sur province on the island of Mindanao earlier this week. The project is part of the Al-Reeh Al-Mursala program, run by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
The planned village aims to provide homes and services that can improve daily life for residents. Each house will have two bedrooms and a living room, according to the Sharjah Government Media Bureau.
The development will also include facilities designed to support health, skills and long-term income. Plans include an artesian well to provide a steady supply of clean water. A vocational center will help residents build practical skills and improve their ability to earn a living.
The media bureau said the center would help people develop their abilities and become productive members of the community. It added that the goal was to give residents a more sustainable source of income.
The project comes as parts of the Philippines continue to face high levels of poverty. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that Zamboanga del Sur had a poverty rate of 15.5 percent in 2025. That was higher than the national rate of 9.7 percent.
The village is intended to offer more than housing alone. Access to clean water and vocational training may help families meet basic needs while creating opportunities for work. The long-term impact will depend on how the facilities are managed and whether residents can access them over time.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan also visited the town of Dinas during his trip to the Philippines. There, he opened an orphanage, a Qur’an and Arabic Learning Center, and a health clinic. He also handed over medical equipment and supplies to local authorities.
These projects are intended to expand support for children and families in the region. The new facilities may provide care for vulnerable children, learning opportunities and access to basic health services.
The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur said the initiatives were expected to improve the welfare of local communities. It noted that Muslim children and families would benefit from housing, education and healthcare support.
Muslims make up around 10 percent of the Philippines’ population of nearly 120 million people. The country is predominantly Catholic, while most Muslim communities live in the southern regions, especially Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
Mindanao has a distinct cultural and religious history. Many communities in the region rely on local services and support programs to meet their needs. Projects that combine housing, education, healthcare and work skills can help address several challenges at once, although continued funding and effective local management are important for lasting results.
The visit also highlighted cooperation between the UAE and local authorities in the Philippines. The provincial government described Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s visit as an important moment for Dinas and Zamboanga del Sur.
It said the projects reflected a shared commitment by local leaders and humanitarian partners to improve education, healthcare and community welfare through cooperation between the two countries.
The 60-home village is one part of that wider effort. Alongside new housing, its planned water source and vocational center are designed to help residents build more stable lives.
Construction will now need to move from the launch stage to completion before families can benefit from the homes and services. Once the village is ready, its success will depend on whether residents can use the facilities regularly and whether the project can provide support over the long term.
For the UAE and Sharjah’s humanitarian program, the development adds a new community project in Mindanao. For local residents, it offers the prospect of improved housing, access to clean water, skills training and stronger support for families in need.
