Executive Secretary Ralph Recto – Photo from Ralph Recto/Facebook
Executive secretary Ralph Recto was simply amazed with the transformation of a 40-hectare sanitary landfill in Cavite into a nature park and disaster preparedness training facility where training exercises can be done for first responders.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) made this possible by converting the former garbage dumping site in Carmona into a park and training facility that will serve Metro Manila and nearby communities.
In praising the MMDA’s worthy endeavor, Recto urged local government units (LGUs) to draw inspiration from the conversion of the erstwhile sanitary landfill into a nature preserve and hub for disaster preparedness, food security and sustainable development.
The former senator attended the inauguration of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Nature Park and other development projects in Sitio Paligawan Matanda in Barangay Lantic, Carmona last Friday.
“LGUs c(an) replicate the initiative by transforming idle and underutilized lands into productive and recreational spaces that benefit local communities,” Recto noted.
Rehabilitated under Republic Act No. 7924, the brownfield property now serves as a functional model for nationwide LGUs on how to repurpose underutilized land into disaster-ready, sustainable public infrastructure.
As guest of honor in the launch, Recto joined MMDA chairperson Atty. Romando ‘Don’ Artes in the inauguration of the rehabilitated Carmona complex, which operated as a landfill since 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 demo agriculture facility with hydroponics and a livestock farm.
Chairman Artes proudly disclosed that the disaster response and safety training facility is equipped with a rappelling tower, confined space structure, wrecked building, a pancake collapsed structure, fire suppression and a crash vehicle extrication area.
He added that the nature park also includes 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 Filipinos.
He likewise highlighted the importance of proper waste management and environmental protection in addressing urban flooding and other climate-related risks.
Recto noted that the project also 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.