The annual National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) is a vital platform for cultural
preservation and community empowerment. The 2024 edition, to be held from October
23 to 27, 2024, at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, SM Megamall, will highlight the
intersection of cultural heritage and craftsmanship, particularly focusing on traditional
artisans from marginalized and Indigenous communities.
Launched in 2016 through the visionary leadership of Senator Loren Legarda, the
NACF was envisioned as an event dedicated exclusively to preserving the country’s
cultural heritage while promoting the economic viability of indigenous arts and crafts.
With her continued support, the event is organized by the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO).
Featuring the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs)
Among the highlights of the NACF are the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs). These
community-managed centers serve as cultural hubs where indigenous groups teach
their younger generations the traditional skills and crafts of their forebears. The SLTs
ensure that vital elements of intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional weaving,
pottery, metalwork, and performing arts, are passed down to younger generations.
Established through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), SLTs
are found across the Philippines, from the Cordilleras to Mindanao, with each
community sharing its unique knowledge and cultural heritage. These schools allow
indigenous artisans to impart their knowledge to the youth in their communities, helping
preserve cultural traditions that have been practiced for centuries. At this year’s NACF,
SLTs will take center stage as their artisans showcase their crafts and demonstrate the
significance of maintaining cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world.
Recognizing the GAMABA Awardees: Guardians of Filipino Heritage
The NACF 2024 will also pay tribute to the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
(GAMABA) Awardees—master artisans recognized by the Philippine government for
their exceptional contributions to the preservation of traditional arts. Established in 1992
through Republic Act No. 7355, the GAMABA (or National Living Treasures Award)
honors individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the practice,
transmission, and preservation of traditional Filipino craftsmanship.
These artisans are the cultural guardians of their respective crafts, preserving
techniques and traditions that span generations. Many of the GAMABA Awardees hail
from indigenous groups and rural areas, where their work is deeply intertwined with their
community’s daily life and cultural rituals.
At the NACF 2024, several GAMABA awardees and their apprentices will display
their masterworks, allowing visitors to witness firsthand the craftsmanship that has
earned them this prestigious recognition. Through their participation, the NACF serves
as a key venue for promoting the GAMABA awardees’ legacies and ensuring that their
knowledge continues to inspire new generations of artisans.
Cultural Preservation and Economic Empowerment
By putting a spotlight on SLTs and GAMABA Awardees, the NACF does more than
just showcase products—it fosters a deeper connection between cultural preservation
and community empowerment. Visitors will not only be able to purchase heritage crafts
but also learn about the stories and traditions behind each piece, gaining a greater
appreciation for the depth of Filipino craftsmanship.
The fair also provides these artisans access to broader markets, helping them secure
sustainable livelihoods. Through partnerships with agencies like the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), the NACF supports innovation while ensuring that traditional skills are
preserved, adapted, and passed down to future generations.
A Platform for National and Global Recognition
As the NACF 2024 brings together artisans from across the Philippines, it serves as a
national and global stage for promoting and preserving Filipino cultural heritage.
Whether through the intricate beadwork of the T’boli, the vibrant weaving of the Kalinga,
or the fine metalwork of Pampanga’s artisans, the fair highlights the cultural diversity
and artistic excellence of the nation.
Support the NACF 2024: Preserving Heritage, Empowering Communities
The National Arts and Crafts Fair 2024 invites everyone to celebrate Filipino
craftsmanship, support marginalized communities, and engage in preserving the
country’s rich cultural heritage. The fair will be open to the public from October 23-27,
2024, at the Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall. Admission is free.
For more information, follow DTI.BMDPO on social media or contact BMDPO Director
Marievic M. Bonoan at bmdpo@dti.gov.ph.
