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 October 4-8 at Megatrade Halls 1-3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. It is being 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 2016-2019 were able to generate revenues of Php 114-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.
Wednesday, October 4
04:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
Thursday, October 5
12:00 PM – Business Talk by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines • Geographical Indication System and IPO Registration
12:30 PM – Business Talk by the Export Marketing Bureau • Export Readiness for Handmade Products
01:00 PM – Business Talk by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority
01:30 PM – Business Talk by the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute • Latest Research and Development Projects
02:00 PM – Workshop by Finnek Handicraft • Product Demo of Tapis, Skirts and Vests
02:30 PM – Raffle Draws & Announcements
03:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Iloilo – Panay Bukidnon • Nito/Handwoven Abaca
03:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Davao Oriental – Sangir/Blaan • Tabih, Scarf, Bead Accessories
04:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Zamboanga Del Sur – Subanen/BangsaMoro • Mat, Embroidery, Baskets
04:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Bukidnon – Higaonon • Weaving
05:30 PM – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH
Friday, October 6
12:00 PM – Business Talk by the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development • DTI Shared Services Facilities
12:30 PM – Business Talk by the DTI Negosyo Center • Projects and Services
01:00 PM – Business Talk by the Design Center of the Philippines • Services to MSMEs
01:30 PM – Business Talk by the Bureau of Import Services • Importation and The Philippine National Trade Repository
02:00 PM – Workshop by Handcrafted by Harl • On-the-Spot Leather Wallet Making Featuring a PWD Craftsman
02:30 PM – Workshop by Antique Potters/Bari Sibalom • Pottery
03:00 PM – Raffle Draws & Announcements
03:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Bohol – Boholano • Baskets
04:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Negros Occidental – Ati Marikudo • Buri and Nito Handicrafts
04:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT South Cotabato – T’boli • Tinalak, Embroidery, Beads
05:30 PM – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH
Saturday, October 7
12:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Guimaras – Jordan Ati Community Association • Rara Weaving, Carving
12:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Benguet – Kankana-ey/Ibaloi • Baskets and Embroidered Tapestries, Buri and Nito Handicrafts
01:00 PM – Business Talk by COL Financial • Unlock the Secrets to Crafting Financial Success in the Creative World
02:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by Kawangis Publishing Co. • “Anyare?” History Card Game – Weave the Threads of Philippine History
02:30 PM – Art Workshop by Jom Vega • Basic Classic Comics Drawing
03:00 PM – Raffle Draws & Announcements
03:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Aklan – Akeanon/Ati Malindog • Piña Cloth, Bariw Mats
04:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Mountain Province – Balangao • Handwoven Products
04:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Capiz – Panay Bukidnon • Nito, Handwoven Abaca
05:30 PM – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH
Sunday, October 8
12:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Agusan del Sur – Manobo • Suyam (embroidery), Musical Instruments
12:30 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Abra – Itneg/Tingguian • Handwoven Products
01:00 PM – Craft Demonstration by SLT Basilan – Yakan • Woven Products
01:30 PM – Art Workshop by Avin del Rosario • Basic Calligraphy/Basic Watercolor
02:30 PM – Crafts Workshop • Filipino Basketry
03:00 PM – Crafts Workshop • Embroidery
03:30 PM – Interactive Performance by Anima Tierra with Drum Circle PH
04:30 PM – Performance by Mandaluyong Children’s Choir
05:30 PM – 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 may be 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, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.
