Located in a portion of Magsaysay Park are clusters of houses which flanked the main plaza of the three-hectare park named after President Ramon Magsaysay.

They represent the homes of the 11 recognized ethnolinguistic groups of Davao City, which include the Ata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Klata, Obu-Manuvu, Matigsalug, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, Maguindanaon, Sama and the Tausug. The structures were built to closely resembles  those in their ancestral homelands exhibiting their ingenuity, practicality and craftsmanship.

William Banzali, current adviser to Kadayawan Village and former community- based eco-cultural officer of the City Tourism Operations Office, revealed that they encouraged the IPS, the indigenous political structure, and the tribal council to help ensure the authenticity of the home construction.Through the years, the IPs have increasingly participated in sprucing up and running the village.

 "Their creative ideas are coming out and these are reflected in the architecture of their houses." Banzali said.

He said the village is not just as a tourist come-on for Kadayawan but also has a peace education component as here the different indigenous communities are united and co-existing peacefully with each other as neighbors.

Iranun Deputy Mayor Pamikeren Latip Arumpac, Jr. expressed that the beauty of the Kadayawan village lies in the camaraderie amongf the 11 tribes. He shared that their houses convey the message that the Moro people’s compassion and warmth. .

Built in 2017, during the incumbency of then City Mayor now Vice President Sara Duterte, the village was seen as a window that allowed people to witness and experience their way of life, culture, and tradition.

“This Kadayawan Village encapsulates what our city is – a melting pot of various cultures and colors all living in one community recognizing the similarities between the tribes when celebrating the unique identity of each one,” then Mayor Sara Duterte said during her message at the village opening in 2017.

Intended as a temporary attraction inside Magsaysay Park, the village served as a means to extend the Kadayawan festivities  Due to its overwhelming popularity among tourists and local residents, the village became a beloved attraction. Consequently, the city government decided to establish Kadayawan Village as a regular attraction in the park. 

A Kadayawan Festival experience is not complete without visiting the Kadayawan Village, you can visit each house and explore their way-of-life presented by the IPs staying at the houses. Here is a guide into each of the replica structure at the village:

Ata’s Binanwa

Their homes are built of round timbers. The structures are elevated to protect them from attacks during pangayao or tribal wars. The roofing is made of cogon gross and is adorned by a bundle of cogon called manok-manok which resembles a chicken’s head.

Klata’s Bolloy

Klata houses are called Bolloy. It's made of bamboo and materials from the forests. The centerpiece of their home is the kitchen where they welcome visitors with food and drinks. The Bolloy is built on stilts and the underfloor serve as storage areas.

Matigsalug’s Baley

The Baley is made of bamboo and other forest timbers. The house is built on stilts and the lower floor serves as shelter for livestock.