The Abba’s Orchard, a Maria Montessori School Breaks Ground on New Campus in Alabel, Sarangani

Alabel, Sarangani, June 14, 2024 — The Abba’s Orchard celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of its first campus in Alabel, Sarangani, marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the SOCCSKSARGEN region. The event, held on Friday, June 14, 2024, was graced by key figures including Alsons Dev Director, Miguel Dominguez, and The Abba’s Orchard President, Cris Barrameda.

The Abba’s Orchard, renowned as the country’s largest and most esteemed network of authentic Montessori schools, is set to establish its 15th campus within the Avia Estate—a 121-hectare mixed development by Alsons Dev in Alabel. Now in its 25th year, the school is celebrated for its high-fidelity Montessori programs, which span from infancy to adolescence. Notably, it is the first and only school in the Philippines to offer a farm campus environment for its adolescent program, known as ErdKinder (German for “children of the earth”).

The first of five buildings is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2025. By the school year 2025, the Avia Estate campus will open its doors to young learners, initially offering programs from preschool to Grades 1-3 (lower elementary), with plans to expand to upper elementary and high school programs in the future.

Miguel Dominguez, Director of Alsons Dev, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are honored to partner with The Abba’s Orchard in bringing their esteemed Montessori education to more families in Mindanao. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of making high-quality education accessible and fostering growth within our communities.”

Chris Barrameda, President of The Abba’s Orchard, shared similar sentiments, saying, “Our expansion into SOCCSKSARGEN embodies our mission of ‘Discover True Montessori.’ We are grateful for Alsons Dev’s generous donation of two hectares of land, which allows us to bring our unique educational approach to Alabel. Together, we are building a future where children can thrive in an environment that nurtures their natural curiosity and love for learning.”

The ceremony was attended by the Barrameda Family and school heads, immediate family members of Mr. Miguel Dominguez, including his wife Tisha, Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, and representatives of Governor Ruel Pacquiao, Congressman Steve Solon, and Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta.

As a subsidiary of the Alcantara Group, one of the largest Filipino-owned conglomerates celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Alsons Dev continues to be a pivotal partner in the growth and development of Southern Mindanao. The Abba’s Orchard’s new campus at Avia Estate is set to become a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region, fostering the intellectual and personal growth of future generations.