The Abba’s Orchard opens first Iloilo campus

The Abba’s Orchard School has opened its first Iloilo campus at Sta. Barbara Heights in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, bringing its Montessori program to the 173-hectare township as it develops into a mixed-use community.

The new school occupies a one-hectare, tree-covered site at the center of the township and is the institution’s 16th campus in the Philippines.

The opening is part of Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI)’s effort to establish Sta. Barbara Heights as a community combining residential, commercial, educational, and recreational facilities.

“Having The Abba’s Orchard’s presence at Sta. Barbara Heights is a milestone in our vision to continue building a complete, master-planned lifestyle community,” said Monica T. Salomon, GERI’s president.

“By welcoming one of the Philippines’ most respected Montessori institutions, we are creating a holistic environment where families can live, learn, and thrive.”

The school is accepting pupils for the 2026–27 academic year, with CASA programs for children ages 3 to 6 and Elementary Level 1 for Grades 1 to 3.

It also plans to expand into the Erdkinder level, a Montessori program for adolescents that combines academic study with practical, real-world experiences, including farm-based education.

Founded in 1999 by Chris and Ann Barrameda, The Abba’s Orchard has expanded into a network of Montessori schools across Metro Manila, southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The institution follows the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, which emphasizes independence, responsibility, and learning in prepared environments.

Speaking at the campus’ grand launch on Sept. 12, Ann said the school’s approach extends beyond academic achievement.

“We strive to develop the best children—not only the best thinkers and doers, but also the best adults who will serve their communities with heart. We don’t just train them to become the best for themselves; we want them to become their best for the community, society and mankind,” she said.

The Iloilo campus is positioned as part of the wider Sta. Barbara Heights development rather than as a separate educational facility.

GERI said the location is intended to make the school accessible to families living within and around the township.

The school’s opening comes as Sta. Barbara Heights develops along one of Iloilo’s emerging growth corridors.

According to GERI, the township will include a town center, a planned business park, and several residential villages, with spaces intended for housing, commerce, education, leisure, and community activities.

The development is connected to the Iloilo International Airport through Iloilo International Avenue and is near the historic Sta. Barbara Church and the Iloilo Golf and Country Club.