Where Tradition, Innovation, and Culture Weave Together
Step inside the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) and you’ll immediately feel it — the hum of weaving looms, the aroma of freshly brewed local coffee, and the burst of color from hand-dyed fabrics, intricate beadwork, and finely carved wooden pieces.
Held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall, this year’s NACF gathers more than 300 exhibitors from across the Philippines, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the fair continues to champion the country’s creative heritage while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
A Celebration of the Country’s Creative Heartbeat
From the moment the fair opened, visitors—families, students, and collectors—flocked to witness how Filipino artisans are keeping traditions alive while embracing modern design.
Among the highlights:
- Kalinga weavers demonstrating traditional backstrap weaving.
- T’boli artists from South Cotabato showcasing their signature t’nalak cloth.
- Maranaw craftsmen presenting elegant brassware and torogan-inspired décor.
- Antique women’s cooperatives proudly displaying patadyong weaves passed down through generations.
Each booth tells a story — a piece of our cultural identity woven with skill, heart, and history.
Honoring the Masters of Filipino Craftsmanship
At the heart of NACF are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, or National Living Treasures, whose presence adds depth and purpose to the event. Their demonstrations of age-old techniques inspire visitors to appreciate the enduring legacy of Filipino craftsmanship.
Through the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), young apprentices also share how their elders teach them to weave, carve, and mold clay by hand, a moving reminder that heritage isn’t just preserved, it’s lived.
Tradition Meets Modern Design
This year’s fair also shines a light on innovation. Curated by the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), exhibits explore how local materials can be reimagined for modern living.
Think rattan furniture with minimalist flair, bamboo lighting fixtures, and fashion accessories that fuse indigenous patterns with contemporary style. Each creation reflects how design collaboration can breathe new life into tradition — making Filipino artistry relevant for today’s market.
Hands-On Learning Through Workshops and Demos
Visitors aren’t just there to shop, they’re there to learn.
Daily workshops, live demos, and business talks give artisans, entrepreneurs, and students the chance to gain valuable insights. Experts share tips on branding, product innovation, and intellectual property, while hands-on demos by potters, weavers, and carvers bring the creative process to life.
Partnerships that Uplift Communities
The NACF’s success lies in its strong partnerships.
- DTI-BMDPO helps artisans reach wider markets through trade promotion.
- NCCA ensures traditional knowledge is preserved.
- DCP bridges the gap between heritage and design.
And of course, Senator Loren Legarda remains a steadfast supporter. Her vision for the NACF is both cultural and economic empowering local artisans, especially women-led cooperatives, to sustain their families through creativity.
“Every artisan brings the story of a community,” Senator Legarda shared. “Through their hands, we see how creativity transforms lives and how culture remains our strongest foundation for progress.”
A Fair for Every Filipino
As the 7-day event unfolds, the fair buzzes with excitement — students observing traditional techniques, entrepreneurs exploring collaborations, and tourists taking home handmade treasures.
The National Arts and Crafts Fair has grown beyond being a simple marketplace. It’s now a living celebration of identity, creativity, and community — a space where tradition and innovation meet, and where every piece tells a story of Filipino pride.
Plan Your Visit
Date: October 23–29, 2025
Venue: Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Ticket: Admission is free!
Support Filipino artisans and discover handcrafted products that celebrate our rich culture. For updates, follow DTI.BMDPO on Facebook and Instagram or email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph