Kilyawan Farm Resort, a family-run farm resort in Ibaan, Batangas was recently named an Architecture Honoree in the professional category of the 2026 Haligi ng Dangal Awards.
The biennial awards are conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts, to recognize completed works that enhance the Filipino built environment.
The resort spans an 8.5-hectare property that previously served as an agro-industrial chicken farm.
Designed by Dominic Galicia Architects, the project converted two of the farm’s former chicken coops into a reception building and guest cabins, preserving the site’s agricultural legacy and surrounding trees.
The cabins feature woven split-bamboo ceilings, clay tile floors, clay brick walls, reclaimed wood, and cushions and pillowcases handwoven by local Ibaan artisans.
The national accolade follows several international recognitions for the design.
Kilyawan Farm Resort received a High Commendation at the 2023 World Architecture Festival in the Hotel and Leisure category and was shortlisted for the Best Use of Natural Light Prize, marking the first Philippine entry shortlisted for the award.
It was also shortlisted for the 2024 Brick Award and selected as 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. 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,” said Tina Ganzon-Ozaeta, chief resort steward of Kilyawan Farm Resort.
Operated by the Ganzon family, the resort derives its name from the kilyawan, or black-naped oriole, which guests can spot around the property during early mornings and late afternoons.
The active farm cultivates cacao processed into tablea, golden queen mangoes, bamboo, and an organic vegetable garden. It also raises native black pigs and free-range chickens for organic eggs. Farm produce is integrated into the menu at the resort’s dining venue, The Courtyard Farm Kitchen.
Amenities for guests include sustainably designed cabins, farm tours, animal feeding, a nature trail, a bamboo orchard, a swimming pool, a forest playground, a rope course, and pickleball and basketball courts. The pet-friendly location also accommodates team-building events, planning retreats, and social gatherings in its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Kilyawan Farm Resort is approximately a 90-minute drive from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway.
Reservations can be made through the resort’s website or via its Facebook and Instagram pages (@kilyawanfarmresort). Event inquiries can be sent to events.kilyawan@gmail.com.
