MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has transformed a former sanitary landfill in Carmona, Cavite into a nature park and disaster preparedness training facility that will serve Metro Manila and nearby communities.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, together with MMDA Chairman Don Artes and other government officials, led the inauguration of the MMDA Nature Park and other development projects in Sitio Paligawan Matanda, Barangay Lantic, on Friday.
The development of the former landfill into the MMDA Nature Park was conceptualized by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos during his tenure as MMDA chair, following the policy direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide additional green and open spaces for public recreation and environmental enhancement.
In his message at the inauguration ceremony, Recto recognized the transformation of the site as an example of the MMDA collaborating with other local government units that can be replicated across other regions.
“With the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, agricultural programs here, this initiative is a true convergence of government programs. Cabinet Secretary Abalos and Chairman Artes had a wonderful vision. This is how public funds must be spent, for the benefit of the public. Congratulations, this is a true example of Bagong Pilipinas,” Recto said.
Artes said the milestone marks another step toward strengthening the MMDA’s commitment to sustainable urban development, improved public service and a more resilient metropolis.
“The site also serves as a training facility for disaster preparedness and emergency response. The facility is not only for MMDA responders, but also open to volunteers, partner agencies, local government units, community groups, and all those who wish to train and prepare for emergencies,” he said.
Other projects inaugurated were the Bamboo Pavilion, Livestock Farm and Seedling Nursery.
Cavite 5th District Rep. Roy Loyola expressed gratitude to the national government for the successful transformation of the former landfill, saying the site has become a flourishing local tourist destination.
“When the landfill was closed, we sought its rehabilitation; that is why we are thankful to MMDA Chairman Artes for this initiative. We give our full support to the programs implemented at this newly-developed site,” said Loyola, who represented his wife, Carmona Mayor Dahlia, at the event.
The event also featured disaster response exercises conducted by the MMDA Public Safety Division and Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officers from various LGUs at the Disaster Preparedness Training Facility.
The training facility features a rappelling tower, confined space structure, wrecked building with structure rubble pile, pancake collapsed structure, fire suppression facility and vehicle simulator.
MMDA deputy chairperson Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr., Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Department of Agriculture representatives and other government officials were also present at the event. (PNA)
