From a former landfill and once-degraded property, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) transformed the site into a dedicated facility in Carmona, Cavite that brings together programs for disaster preparedness and response, environmental sustainability, agriculture, capacity building, and other public services for Metro Manila and nearby communities.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, together with MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, and other government officials led the inauguration of the MMDA Nature Park and other development projects at Sitio Paligawan Matanda, Barangay Lantic, Carmona, Cavite.
The development of the former sanitary landfill into the MMDA Nature Park was conceptualized by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos during his tenure as MMDA Chairman, following the policy direction of President Ferdinand 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 a great example of the MMDA collaborating with other local government units, which can be replicated across other regions.
“This is how public funds must be spent, for the benefit of the public.”
“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,” the Executive Secretary stressed.
According to Artes, this milestone marks another step towards 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 explained.
Other projects inaugurated are the Bamboo Pavilion, Livestock Farm, and Seedling Nursery.
“What used to be a dirty road and a desolate site has now been transformed into a flourishing local tourist destination.”
Meanwhile, Cavite 5th Congressional District Representative Roy Loyola expressed gratitude to the national government for the successful transformation of the former landfill, citing “what used to be a dirty road and a desolate site has now been transformed into 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, representing his wife, Carmona Mayor Dahlia, in the event.
One of the event’s highlights was the specialized disaster response exercises conducted by the MMDA Public Safety Division and Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officers from various LGUs, which showcased their operational readiness and inter-agency disaster risk reduction capabilities at the Disaster Preparedness Training Facility (DPTC).
The training facility was established to serve as a comprehensive training venue for disaster response trainers, responders, staff, volunteer groups, and other interested individuals. It features hands-on training to ensure participants are prepared to respond and handle crisis situations, with the following training facilities: Rappelling tower, Confined Space Structure, Wrecked Building with Structure Rubble Pile, Pancake Collapsed Structure, Fire Suppression Facility and Vehicle Simulator.
MMDA Deputy Chairman 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.
