NACF PR #3

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO) with support from the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the 2024 National Arts and Crafts Fair promises to be a landmark event in the celebration of Filipino craftsmanship. It will be held from October 23 to 27 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall.

Beyond showcasing artisanal excellence, the fair emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation, innovation, and economic empowerment, all intricately woven together.

The Origins of NACF: A Visionary Advocate at the Helm

The NACF first came to life in 2016 through the initiative of Senator Loren Legarda, whose passion for cultural preservation and promotion led to the creation of this annual event. Recognizing the need to protect the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage in the face of rapid modernization, Legarda saw an opportunity to marry cultural advocacy with economic growth by creating a platform for indigenous, local artisans, and micro, small, and medium enterprises to showcase their work. By doing so, she aimed to ensure that traditional crafts not only survived but thrived, providing artisans with opportunities for economic sustainability while keeping their cultural heritage alive.

Senator Legarda’s role in the NACF has always been more than symbolic; it is deeply personal. As a long-time advocate for both cultural heritage and sustainable livelihoods, her leadership has shaped the NACF into a celebration of Filipino identity. By emphasizing the importance of culture-based livelihoods, Legarda has ensured that the fair highlights the craftsmanship of the country’s artisans and provides them with the means to secure their financial futures.

The senator’s work is grounded in the belief that culture and the arts are integral to the nation’s development. Through her legislative initiatives, such as the Magna Carta for MSMEs and the Cultural Mapping Law, Legarda has created avenues for artisans and small businesses to grow and thrive while preserving their unique cultural identities. This advocacy continues to be reflected in her involvement in the NACF, which serves as a prime example of how culture can be both a source of pride and a driver of economic development.

NACF 2024: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

The 2024 edition of the National Arts and Crafts Fair is a vibrant celebration of Filipino craftsmanship. Featuring over 250 exhibitors from across the Philippines, the fair showcases a wide array of traditional and modern crafts, ranging from intricate textiles and indigenous weaves to contemporary fashion and sustainable home decor. While preserving traditional techniques remains at the heart of the event, NACF 2024 also highlights innovation, offering a fusion of heritage and modern design that caters to both local and global markets.

One of the key aspects of this year’s NACF is the emphasis on indigenous communities and marginalized groups, and the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), which have always been central to Legarda’s advocacy. SLTs are community-run centers where indigenous elders and cultural bearers teach younger generations the crafts and practices that define their communities. These schools help safeguard the Philippines’ intangible cultural heritage, from weaving and pottery to metalwork and performing arts.

At NACF 2024, these indigenous artisans take center stage, showcasing their work and demonstrating their skills to the public. Their participation not only highlights the richness of Filipino culture but also reinforces the importance of preserving these traditions in an ever-changing world. For Senator Legarda, this is a key part of her advocacy—ensuring that cultural traditions are not lost to time but instead evolve and remain relevant for future generations.

The Cultural Crusader

Senator Loren Legarda’s contributions to preserving and promoting Filipino culture extend far beyond the NACF. As one of the foremost champions of cultural heritage in the Philippines, Legarda has authored and supported numerous legislative measures aimed at protecting the country’s cultural wealth. These include the National Cultural Heritage Act, which seeks to protect and preserve the Philippines’ cultural properties, and the recently enacted Cultural Mapping Law, which empowers local communities to

identify and assign cultural value to their heritage.

One of Legarda’s most significant achievements has been her role in revitalizing the Philippine weaving industry. Through her efforts, indigenous weavers have been given the recognition and support they deserve, ensuring that their craftsmanship can compete on the global stage. The Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which Legarda principally authored, has played a key role in this by promoting the use of indigenous fabrics in government uniforms, thereby creating a steady demand for

local weaves. This not only preserves traditional weaving techniques but also provides sustainable livelihoods for weavers across the country.

Another significant aspect of Legarda’s advocacy is her focus on the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA), or the National Living Treasures Award. This prestigious award recognizes Filipino artisans who have made exceptional contributions to the preservation of traditional arts. Through the NACF, Legarda ensures that these master artisans are given a platform to showcase their work, passing on their knowledge to younger generations and inspiring new artisans to take up the mantle.

Fusing Tradition with Innovation

One of the most striking features of NACF 2024 is the way it blends tradition with innovation. While the fair serves as a showcase for traditional crafts, it also highlights the ways in which Filipino artisans are adapting their work to meet modern tastes and needs. This fusion of old and new is a key theme of this year’s event, as artisans use contemporary design techniques and technologies to reimagine traditional crafts.

For example, fashion collections at NACF 2024 feature modern interpretations of traditional Filipino attire, incorporating indigenous fabrics like piña and abaca into sleek, minimalist designs. Home decor items, too, are being reimagined with a focus on sustainability, as artisans create stylish furniture and accessories from traditional materials such as bamboo and rattan. This fusion of heritage and modernity is not only

a reflection of Filipino creativity but also a testament to the resilienc of traditional crafts in the face of globalization.

Senator Legarda’s advocacy for innovation within the traditional arts is evident in her support for programs that provide artisans with access to modern technologies. Initiatives like the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which is featured at NACF 2024, help artisans integrate technology into their work, allowing them to scale production without compromising the authenticity of their crafts. By supporting these efforts, Legarda ensures that Filipino crafts remain relevant and competitive in today’s global market.

The Economic Impact of the NACF

At its core, the NACF is not only a celebration of Filipino culture but also a vital economic platform. By providing artisans with access to broader markets, the fair plays a key role in promoting economic sustainability, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural and indigenous communities. For many artisans, the NACF represents a unique opportunity to connect with buyers and collectors who appreciate the cultural significance of their work.

Senator Legarda has long recognized the importance of MSMEs in driving economic growth and has championed numerous initiatives to support their development. Her belief that culture based livelihoods are integral to national development is reflected in her legislative work and her ongoing support for the NACF. By creating opportunities for artisans to showcase and sell their work, the NACF helps sustain these businesses, ensuring that traditional crafts continue to thrive and evolve.

Visit NACF 2024!

Explore the exciting fusion of tradition and innovation at the National Arts and Crafts Fair 2024, where every piece is a work of art and a bridge between the past and the future.

To enhance the experience, NACF 2024 offers a daily program of activities, including hands-on workshops and live demonstrations by master craftsmen, as well as business talks by resource persons. These sessions provide a deeper understanding of Filipino arts and crafts, allowing visitors to engage directly with the creative process, learn about sustainable business practices, and witness traditional techniques come to life. The sessions are open to the public, and admission is free.

For more information about the 2024 National Arts and Crafts Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO), please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BMDPO), Instagram (dti.bmdpo), and Twitter (@DTI_BMDPO). You may also email BMDPO Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.