Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has encouraged local government units (LGUs) to follow the example of a former sanitary landfill in Carmona, Cavite that has been transformed into a nature park and a center for disaster preparedness, food security, and sustainable development.
Recto issued the call after joining Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Romando Artes in inaugurating the MMDA Nature Park and other facilities at Sitio Paligawan Matanda in Barangay Lantic, Carmona, on Friday, September 11.
In a statement, Recto said LGUs could similarly convert idle or underutilized properties into productive, recreational, and community-oriented spaces.
“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,” Recto said.
The 40-hectare property formerly operated as a sanitary landfill from 1993 until it was shut down in 1998.
Following its rehabilitation under Republic Act No. 7924, the site now houses facilities designed to support disaster response, environmental protection, food production, and renewable energy initiatives.
Among its features are a disaster preparedness training center, a Kadiwa ng Bayan store, a smart demonstration farm equipped with hydroponics, and a livestock facility.
Its disaster response and safety training area includes a rappelling tower, confined-space training structure, wrecked-building simulation, pancake-collapse structure, fire suppression area, and crash vehicle extrication facility.
The nature park also has a bamboo pavilion and a seedling nursery, providing additional green spaces for recreation and environmental activities.
Recto said the project illustrates how government investments can give new purpose to previously unusable properties while creating facilities that provide direct benefits to communities.
He also stressed the need for proper waste management and environmental conservation as part of efforts to address urban flooding and other climate-related threats.
The development is also set to expand with a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic farm, a swift-water and flood training facility, and an MMDA K-9 training center.
Recto backed the planned additions, emphasizing the need for continued investments in infrastructure that can improve disaster preparedness, safeguard communities, and advance sustainable development.