By Tracy Cabrera
CARMONA, Cavite — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto expressed amazement at the transformation of a 40-hectare sanitary landfill in Carmona into a nature park and disaster preparedness training facility where first responders can conduct training exercises.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) converted the former garbage dumping site into a park and training facility that will serve Metro Manila and nearby communities.
Praising the MMDA’s initiative, Recto urged local government units (LGUs) to draw inspiration from the conversion of the former landfill into a nature preserve and hub for disaster preparedness, food security and sustainable development.
The former senator attended the inauguration of the MMDA Nature Park and other development projects in Sitio Paligawan Matanda, Barangay Lantic, Carmona, last Friday.
“LGUs can replicate the initiative by transforming idle and underutilized lands into productive and recreational spaces that benefit local communities,” Recto said.
Rehabilitated under Republic Act No. 7924, the brownfield property now serves as a model for LGUs nationwide on how underutilized land can be repurposed into disaster-ready and sustainable public infrastructure.
As guest of honor, Recto joined MMDA Chairperson Atty. Romando “Don” Artes in inaugurating the rehabilitated Carmona complex, which operated as a landfill from 1993 until its closure in 1998.
The 40-hectare site now features facilities for disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, food security and clean energy. These include a disaster preparedness training center, a Kadiwa ng Bayan store, a smart demonstration agriculture facility with hydroponics, and a livestock farm.
Artes said the disaster response and safety training facility is equipped with a rappelling tower, confined-space structure, wrecked building, pancake-collapsed structure, fire suppression area and crash vehicle extrication area.
The nature park also features a bamboo pavilion and seedling nursery, providing green open spaces for recreation and environmental activities.
For Recto, the project demonstrates how public investments can transform previously unusable areas into facilities that directly benefit communities.
He also emphasized the importance of proper waste management and environmental protection in addressing urban flooding and other climate-related risks.
Recto said the project includes plans for a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic farm, a swift-water and flood training facility, and an MMDA K-9 training facility.
He expressed support for the planned expansion, saying the government must continue investing in facilities that strengthen disaster preparedness, protect communities and promote sustainable development.
ia/xf
