National Arts and Crafts Fair 2024: Preserving Heritage and Empowering Communities

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 Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at [email protected].

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