The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially opened the MMDA Nature Park, transforming a 65-hectare former sanitary landfill in Barangay Lantic, Carmona, Cavite, into a thriving public ecotourism hub . Developed following urban renewal directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the project breathes new life into a site that served as Metro Manila's waste dumping ground from 1993 until its closure in 1998.
A Remarkable Transformation from Landfill to Public Park
The MMDA Nature Park stands on land that once served as the Carmona Sanitary Landfill, a massive dumping ground for waste coming from Metro Manila . The facility was in operation between 1993 and 1998, receiving approximately 23 million cubic meters of unsorted refuse including household products, electronic equipment, and other wastes . Local residents and surrounding communities complained about surface and water contamination, unpleasant odor, and health hazards, eventually leading to its closure .
After being abandoned for years, the site was redeveloped as part of President Marcos Jr.'s urban renewal directive . The MMDA, which managed the original landfill, led the transformation of the once-contaminated site into an eco-park that now serves as a "green lung" for Cavite residents . The park is open to the public for exercise, picnics, biking, and leisure, offering a greener environment outside Metro Manila .
Key Features and Community Impact
Situated at Carmona's highest point approximately 200 meters above sea level, the park offers a cool upland climate that makes it a popular escape from the lowland heat . The park features paved roads for walking and jogging, a bamboo-roofed pavilion offering views, and large grassy areas suitable for outdoor lounging and picnics . Visitors have praised it as an "aesthetic place to chill," with one reviewer calling it "a relaxing place, good for family/friends picnic" .
Key facilities inside the park include a KADIWA ng Bayan Store that provides access to affordable agricultural products under the KADIWA ng Pangulo program . A bamboo pavilion and seedling nursery supports environmental conservation initiatives and the use of bamboo as a natural flood mitigation measure . The park also houses a Disaster Preparedness Training Center serving as a dedicated venue for emergency response, rescue training, and disaster resilience programs . However, one reviewer noted that there is no formal parking yet, with vehicles parking along the road .
