Kilyawan Farm Resort earns national architecture honor for adaptive farm design

IBAAN, Batangas — Transforming two old chicken coops into a welcoming farm resort has earned Kilyawan Farm Resort a national architecture honor, adding to its growing list of international design distinctions.

The family-run resort in Ibaan, Batangas, was named an Architecture Honoree in the Professional Category of the Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2026, conferred biennially by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its National Committee on Architecture and the Allied Arts, to recognize completed works that enhance the Filipino built environment.

Set on an 8.5-hectare working farm, Kilyawan Farm Resort was designed by Dominic Galicia Architects, which repurposed two structures from the property's former agro-industrial chicken farm into a reception building and guest cabins.

Rather than erase the site's agricultural past, the design preserved its existing character, including mature trees and the original farm structures. The cabins feature woven split-bamboo ceilings, clay-tile floors, clay-brick walls and reclaimed wood, complemented by handwoven cushions and pillowcases made by local weavers in Ibaan.

The national recognition builds on the resort's international design credentials. Kilyawan Farm Resort received a Highly Commended distinction in the Hotel and Leisure category at the World Architecture Festival 2023 and was shortlisted for the festival's Best Use of Natural Light prize, becoming the first Philippine entry shortlisted in that category.

The project was also shortlisted for the 2024 Brick Award and named a finalist in the Spatial Design category of the 2025 Golden Pin Design Award.

“Our family rediscovered farm life during the pandemic, and Kilyawan grew out of wanting to share that experience with others,” said Tina Ganzon-Ozaeta, chief resort steward of Kilyawan Farm Resort.

“This recognition means a lot to us, because the design was always about respecting what the farm already was—its old coops, its trees and its pace of life—and letting our guests slow down with it,” she added.

Operated by the Ganzon family, the resort takes its name from the kilyawan, or black-naped oriole, a bird that visitors may spot around the property in the early morning and late afternoon.

Beyond its architecture, the resort remains a working agricultural property, growing cacao for tablea, golden queen mangoes, bamboo and organic vegetables. It also raises native black pigs and free-range chickens for organic eggs. Farm produce finds its way into the menu of The Courtyard Farm Kitchen.

Visitors can stay in the resort's sustainably designed cabins, take guided farm tours, participate in animal feeding and explore its nature trail and bamboo orchard. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, forest playground, rope course, and pickleball and basketball courts.

The pet-friendly property also caters to team-building activities, planning retreats and private celebrations, with indoor and outdoor venues available for different occasions.

Located about a 90-minute drive from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, Kilyawan Farm Resort offers an accessible countryside escape for travelers seeking a slower pace of life, closer encounters with nature and a glimpse of working farm life.

For reservations, guests may visit www.kilyawanfarmresort.com or message Kilyawan Farm Resort through Facebook and Instagram at @kilyawanfarmresort. Inquiries about team-building activities and events may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Kilyawan Farm Resort

Kilyawan Farm Resort is a family-run farm resort on an 8.5-hectare working farm in Ibaan, Batangas, Philippines. Designed by Dominic Galicia Architects from two former chicken coops, the resort offers sustainably designed cabins, farm tours, The Courtyard Farm Kitchen, a nature trail and bamboo orchard, a pool and sports courts. The project was named an Architecture Honoree at the NCCA Haligi ng Dangal Awards 2026.

(Press Release)