In a stark departure from its past as a major garbage dump, a long-decommissioned 40-hectare sanitary landfill has been officially repurposed into a hub for disaster response, urban agriculture, renewable energy, and public recreation.
Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes spearheaded the formal opening of the MMDA Carmona Development Projects on Friday, September 11. The site originally functioned as a regional landfill from 1993 until its shutdown in 1998.
Reflecting on the location’s shift from an abandoned waste site into a green public space equipped with bicycle paths and fresh air, Recto pointed to the complex as a concrete example of effective public spending.
“Ganito dapat ginagastos ang pera ng taong-bayan na tiyak na makikinabang ang ating mga kababayan,” Recto noted.
Addressing broader environmental challenges, the Executive Secretary observed that physical infrastructure works best when paired with public discipline, particularly regarding waste management and flood prevention.
“Mahalin at pangalagaan po natin ang ating kapaligiran,” he urged.
During an inspection of the newly constructed Disaster Preparedness Training Center (DPTC), which houses specialist facilities including a rappelling tower, collapsed structure simulators, and vehicle extrication areas, Recto committed national government backing for planned expansions, such as a swift water rescue center and an MMDA K-9 facility.
“We must ensure that our respondents are safe na makauwi rin sila sa kanilang mga tahanan,” Recto said.
The Executive Secretary characterized the complex as a “living ecosystem” demonstrating that clean energy and sustainable agriculture can operate side-by-side, urging local executives nationwide to study the Carmona model for land rehabilitation.
Key Facilities of the Repurposed Complex
The rehabilitated 40-hectare property integrates several functional sectors:
| Sector | Core Facilities & Infrastructure |
| Disaster & Safety Training | Disaster Preparedness Training Center (DPTC), Rappelling Tower, Confined Space Structure, Wrecked Building Simulator, Fire Suppression Facility, Crash Vehicle Extrication Area |
| Green Space & Recreation | MMDA Nature Park, Bamboo Pavilion, Seedling Nursery |
| Food Security & Agriculture | Department of Agriculture KADIWA ng Bayan Store, Smart Demo Agriculture Facility (Hydroponics), Livestock Farm |
| Renewable Energy & Future Additions | Planned Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm, Swift Water and Flood Training Facility, MMDA K-9 Training Facility |
Rehabilitated pursuant to Republic Act No. 7924, the site now serves as a blueprint for local government units seeking to convert underutilized brownfields into climate-resilient and community-focused public assets.