The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair: Celebrating Filipino creativity and heritage

The vibrant spirit of Filipino artistry once again takes center stage as the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP, in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, proudly presents the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair. This much-anticipated showcase of Filipino creativity will take place from Oct. 23 to 29 at Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Since its inception nine years ago, the NACF, conceptualized and supported by Senator Legarda, has become one of the country’s most important platforms for Filipino artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises. It continues to showcase the diversity and excellence of local craftsmanship, featuring indigenous handwoven textiles, handcrafted accessories, and modern design pieces crafted from sustainable materials.

A living showcase of Filipino craftsmanship

Launched in 2016 as a platform for artisans to showcase their work to a wider audience, the NACF has evolved into a celebration of how heritage and innovation can coexist and thrive. Visitors will once again be treated to a journey across the Philippine regions, with around 300 exhibitors sharing their creations.

Each booth tells a story: the rhythmic clatter of looms from Abra, the delicate embroidery of Lumban, the intricate beadwork of Zamboanga, and the vibrant weaving traditions of Antique. These are not just products but expressions of culture, identity, and pride. For many communities, craftwork has become both a livelihood and a way to preserve their traditions for generations to come.

Keeping cultural traditions alive

The fair will again highlight the work of the Schools of Living Traditions and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees, who represent the heart of Filipino craftsmanship. The SLTs are community-based and community-managed centers where indigenous elders and cultural masters teach younger generations their traditional crafts, ensuring that these skills are not lost over time.

Through their participation in the NACF, these artisans show visitors what it truly means to live a tradition. Weavers, carvers, potters, and metalworkers from various parts of the country will conduct live demonstrations and workshops throughout the event, providing guests with a deeper appreciation of their artistry. 

Design, Innovation, and Sustainability

The NACF continues to evolve each year, keeping pace with new trends while maintaining respect for tradition. Exhibitors are finding innovative ways to incorporate indigenous materials and techniques into contemporary lifestyles. Shoppers can expect to see everything—from sustainable home décor made from rattan to abaca fashion pieces that intertwine local weaves with modern silhouettes.

The Design Center of the Philippines will curate special exhibits that explore the relationship between design, material, and story. Visitors will see how traditional craftsmanship can inspire modern design thinking, leading to products that are both beautiful and globally competitive.

Empowering Filipino MSMEs

Beyond being a cultural showcase, the NACF is also an economic platform. For many participating entrepreneurs, this event opens doors to new markets and partnerships. DTI’s programs about product development, marketing, and digitalization help these MSMEs strengthen their competitiveness both locally and abroad.

Workshops and business talks during the fair will cover topics such as sustainable production, intellectual-property protection, and creative entrepreneurship. Through collaborations with various government agencies, artisans are encouraged to innovate while maintaining authenticity in their work.

A national celebration of Filipino talent

The NACF has always been a place where people come not just to buy but to experience. It is where stories are exchanged, friendships formed, and appreciation deepened. Walking through the halls of the fair feels like traveling through the islands of the Philippines, where each region proudly brings its distinct creative voice.

Senator Loren Legarda, who first envisioned the NACF in 2016, said the fair reflects the country’s soul: “When we support our artisans, we support our heritage. The crafts of our ancestors are not relics of the past but living expressions of who we are and what we can become.”

Legarda, who hails from the province of Antique, has long championed the empowerment of local communities and the preservation of indigenous art forms. Antique’s weaving and embroidery traditions, nurtured through its Schools of Living Traditions and women’s cooperatives, stand as a testament to how cultural heritage can be sustained through innovation and livelihood. The province’s artisans will once again be among the exhibitors at this year’s fair, showcasing the creativity and resilience that Legarda has tirelessly supported throughout her career.

The collaboration between DTI, the Office of Senator Legarda, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the DCP continues to strengthen the link between culture and commerce. Together, these institutions ensure that Filipino artisans are equipped with both pride in their heritage and the tools to succeed in the modern market.

Visit the 2025 NACF

The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from Oct. 23 to 29 at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Admission is free.

Visitors can explore a wide range of handcrafted products, participate in creative workshops, and meet the cultural masters who continue to shape the nation’s artistic identity.

Follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram for updates, or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph for inquiries.

The NACF remains a proud celebration of Filipino craftsmanship—proof that the country’s traditions continue to grow, evolve, and inspire.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by DTI-BMDPO.