Mayor Tiñga said a memorandum of agreement with the Office of the President’s Urban Asset Reform Project Management Office (UARPMO) was signed, in coordination with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Department of Finance and Office of the Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council for the construction of the two-story structure.

"We will build a model Muslim community as we revitalize Maharlika, turn it into a trade and tourism center and bring back its old glory," Mayor Tiñga said.

The project intends to give livelihood opportunities to Muslims and improve not only the quality of their lives but also of other Filipinos.

Phase 1 of the project is the construction of the commercial building on a property donated by the National Housing Authority (NHA) to the city government which is expected to be completed by October this year.

The trade center will showcase authentic Muslim products not only from Mindanao but from other Arab and Muslim countries – ranging from textiles, crafts, spices, novelty items and all sort of goods. It will also serve as a venue for people to learn more on the Muslim arts and culture.

Part of the attraction the Maharlika Trade Center will feature are restaurants serving only halal food and products.

Taguig Area 3 Satellite Office head April AlRaschid who has jurisdiction over FTI, Brgys. Signal Village, Western Bicutan, Upper Bicutan and Maharlika assured transparency in this project.

The project fund will be directly handled by UNDP as stipulated in an agreement signed by the Philippine and Bahrain governments on October, 2004.

Would-be tenants of the trade center will have to go through a very strict screening process under the MTC Strategic Management Group although a minimum of 50 percent of these slots have been allotted for Brgy. Maharlika residents who would qualify.

The trade center will also be open to foreign investors.

Meanwhile, City Administrator Wilfredo Villar said a police community precinct has been constructed by the local government in the area near the Blue Mosque to beef up police visibility in Brgy. Maharlika.

The city government is determined to rid the place of bad elements and erase the negative impression they have caused to the Muslim community.

Other development projects in Maharlika include the rehabilitation of the old swimming pool, sports facilities and amphitheater, landscaped circulation area and linkages to facilities and the establishment of a livelihood training center.