Carmona: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Saturday urged local government units (LGUs) to draw inspiration from the transformation of a former sanitary landfill in Carmona, Cavite into a nature park and hub for disaster preparedness, food security, and sustainable development. Recto made the call following the inauguration of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Nature Park and other development projects in Sitio Paligawan Matanda in Barangay Lantic, Carmona on Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto stated that LGUs could replicate the initiative by transforming idle and underutilized lands into productive and recreational spaces that benefit local communities. Recto emphasized the rehabilitated site as a functional model for nationwide LGUs, demonstrating how to repurpose underutilized land into disaster-ready, sustainable public infrastructure under Republic Act No. 7924.
Recto and MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Carmona complex, which was a former sanitary landfill that operated from 1993 until its closure in 1998. The 40-hectare site now features facilities for disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, food security, and clean energy. Among the facilities are the disaster preparedness training center, Kadiwa ng Bayan store, a smart demo agriculture facility with hydroponics, and a livestock farm.
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. The nature park also includes a bamboo pavilion and seedling nursery, providing green open spaces for recreation and environmental activities.
Recto said the project demonstrates how public investments can transform previously unusable areas into facilities that directly benefit Filipinos. He also 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.
