2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair: An immersive cultural experience

The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair, a flagship platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of indigenous crafts, arts, and traditions, will be held from Oct. 4 to 8 at Megatrade Halls 1 to 3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong. It's organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP), in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices and supported by the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

The National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) was conceptualized and initiated by Senator Legarda in 2016. As a national fair dedicated exclusively to our homegrown creative industries, the NACF is a significant initiative not only for preserving the country’s cultural heritage, but also for promoting the economic viability of indigenous arts and crafts. Pre-pandemic, the five NACFs held from 2016 to 2019 were able to generate revenues of P114 million for its exhibitors.

Back in the spotlight after a three-year hiatus, more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the country’s 17 regions have been carefully curated for the 2023 NACF. Their displays will feature traditional products such as Philippine fabrics, handwoven items, and handicrafts, as well as contemporary interpretations in the form of handmade ornaments, jewelry, woven apparel, and fashion accessories.

Beyond the economic empowerment of indigenous communities and local artisans, the NACF also offers an educational experience through its daily program of activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural significance of our artistic traditions through workshops, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find valuable resources and business insights during dedicated talks and sessions.

Most significantly, the daily program will include feature presentations from the various Schools of Living Traditions from all over the regions, providing an immersive experience into the rich and diverse cultural resources of our people. Check out the schedule below and mark your calendars for this year’s celebration of our cultural heritage.

Oct. 4

4 p.m. – Opening Ceremony

Oct. 5

12 p.m. –Business Talk by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines on the Geographical Indication System and IPO Registration

12:30 p.m. – Business Talk by the Export Marketing Bureau on Export Readiness for Handmade Products

1 p.m. – Business Talk by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority

1:30 p.m. – Business Talk by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute on the Latest Research and Development Projects

2 p.m. – Workshop by Finnek Handicraft, Product Demo of Tapis, Skirts and Vests

2:30 p.m. – Raffle draws and announcements

3 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Iloilo–Panay Bukidnon using nito/handwoven abaca

3:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Davao Oriental–Sangir/Blaan (tabih, scarf, bead accessories)

4 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Zamboanga Del Sur-Subanen/Bangsamoro (mat, embroidery, baskets)

4:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Bukidnon–Higaonon (weaving)

5:30 p.m. – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH

Oct. 6

12 p.m. – Business Talk by the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development and the DTI on Shared Services Facilities

12:30 p.m. – Business Talk by the DTI Negosyo Center on projects and services

1 p.m. – Business Talk by the Design Center of the Philippines on Services to MSMEs

1:30 p.m. – Business Talk by the Bureau of Import Services on Importation and the Philippine National Trade Repository

2 p.m. – Workshop by Handcrafted by Harl, On-the-Spot Leather Wallet Making Featuring a PWD Craftsman

2:30 p.m. – Workshop by Antique Potters/Bari Sibalom (pottery)

3 p.m. – Raffle draws and announcements

3:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Bohol–Boholano (baskets)

4 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Negros Occidental–Ati Marikudo (buri and nito handicrafts)

4:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT South Cotabato–T’boli (t’nalak, embroidery, beads)

5:30 p.m. - Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH

Oct. 7

12 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Guimaras–Jordan Ati Community Association (rara weaving, carving)

12:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Benguet–Kankana-ey/Ibaloi (baskets and embroidered tapestries; buri and nito handicrafts)

1 p.m. – Business Talk by COL Financial on How to Unlock the Secrets to Crafting Financial Success in the Creative World

2 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by Kawangis Publishing Co., “Anyare?” History Card Game–Weave the Threads of Philippine History

2:30 p.m. – Art Workshop by Jom Vega on Basic Classic Comics Drawing

3 p.m. – Raffle draws and announcements

3:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Aklan–Akeanon/Ati Malindog (piña cloth, bariw mats)

4 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Mountain Province–Balangao (handwoven products)

4 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Capiz–Panay Bukidnon (nito, handwoven abaca)

5:30 p.m. - Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH

Oct. 8

12 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Agusan del Sur–Manobo (suyam [embroidery], musical instruments)

12:30 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Abra–Itneg/Tingguian (handwoven products)

1 p.m. – Craft Demonstration by SLT Basilan–Yakan (woven products)

1:30 p.m. – Art Workshop by Avin del Rosario (basic calligraphy/basic watercolor)

2:30 p.m. – Crafts Workshop (Filipino basketry)

3 p.m. – Crafts Workshop (embroidery)

3:30 p.m. – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH

4:30 p.m. – Performance by Mandaluyong Children’s Choir

5:30 p.m. – Concert at the Fair featuring Bayang Barrios and the Naliyagan Band

The daily program of activities is open to the public and free of charge. Please note that the schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

To know more about the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at [email protected].

* * *

Editor’s Note: This article was provided by BDTP.