Yen Center

James Yen Center

Livelihood Learning and Nature Discovery

The Yen Center – named after IIRR founder, Dr. Y.C. James Yen – is a glorious 50-hectare campus of foliage, birds and insects fenced in by a greenbelt mini-forest. The Center is the headquarters of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), Regional Center for Asia, and Philippine Country Program. It also houses Yen Center conference facilities, in an environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, conducive to reflection, recreation and learning.

“I always look forward to my trips to IIRR for Peace Corps events. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful – a great escape from city life in Manila. I love to take walks in the morning and listen to the birds and enjoy the fresh air. And most especially, we are so grateful to the warm and hospitable staff who always are smiling, and go above and beyond to be responsive to our requests. On behalf of all the Peace Corps Philippines staff and volunteers, thank you for making IIRR feel like a second home to us.”

Monica Collier

Country Director, US Peace Corps

A 52-hectare lush forest

Surround yourself with big old trees

Co exist with 57 species of birds

Discover the power of great teamwork

Let learning happen naturally

The preferred training venue of development practitioners in the South of Manila

Take a short trek through our thick forest trails, a home to more than 50 species of birds

US Peace Corps

Swiss Re

De La Salle University

Intimate outdoor event venue

Best place to camp

Bird watching destination

The Center can host both small and large group events such as training and workshops.

Accommodation

The Yen Center occupies an area of 52 hectares along the boundaries of Silang and Dasmarinas in Cavite, Philippines and is about 39 kilometers south of Manila, approximately a one and a half hour drive from the international and domestic airports.

It has 64 Guestrooms and 6 Rental Cottages. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, hot & cold shower facility, and internet connectivity. Each guest is provided with towel and soap. Access to satellite television, drinking water and tea/coffee-making facility are available at the GAA Lobby. All guests and group bookings must register at the GAA Lobby to access room keys.

Guest rooms

German Agro-Action (GAA Hostel)

24 rooms, single and quad sharing

Dormitory Rooms

Cypress Hostel

Single and Quad Sharing

Rental Cottages

Cottage 2

3BR, 2T&B, max. 15 persons

Cottage 3

4BR, 1T&B, max. 15 persons

Cottage 8

3BR, 2T&B, max. 15 persons

Cottage 6

2BR, 1T&B, max. 4 persons (no cooking allowed)

The Yen Center Conference and Function Halls

For several decades, the Yen Center has served as IIRR headquarters. It is a central location for rural reconstruction workers from all over the world who come to share valuable insights and lessons in development from their work.

The center offers opportunities for sharing knowledge and practices in its various function halls. The center, which is situated in a well-maintained eco-friendly environment, has conference halls and functions that can cater up to 300 people.

YBS Hall

up to 250 plenary seats

JJ Hall

up to 70 plenary seats

Yen Boardroom

up to 25 plenary seats

Other Function Halls

RR Hall

up to 100 plenary seats

Pres. Pavilion

up to 50 plenary seats

Ping Shen

up to 30 plenary seats

Exhibit Room

up to 20 plenary seats

Classrooms (5)

up to 6 plenary seats

For inquires, you may connect with us:

Telephone: +63 (046) 419 8600; +63 (02) 249 8600
Mobile: +63 917 8696213; +63 925 8143216
Email: ycmarketing@iirr.org

You may also download the Yen Center Information Guide for more information.

Livelihood Learning Sites

Livelihood Learning and demonstration sites of IIRR and its development partner’s work are located inside the Yen Center.

George Sycip Bio Intensive Garden (BIG)

Sustainable Livelihood Demonstration Sites

Youth Development Program Learning Center

International School for Sustainable Tourism

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement Farm

Dr. YC James Yen and his wife, Alice Huie Yen had lived for several years in the Yen Center campus. The Center houses a museum and their memorial site. Their personal mementos are available for viewing along with a unique history of rural reconstruction.

Trips and exposure visits can be arranged through the Yen Center office.