Legarda leads successful comeback of National Arts and Crafts Fair

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda led the successful staging of the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) from October 4 to 8, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The NACF is a flagship platform that combines entrepreneurship and tradition, showcasing modern takes on handicrafts such as handmade ornaments, handcrafted jewelry, woven apparel, and home décor.

About 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the country’s 17 regions participated in the 2023 NACF, which was held at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls.

During her keynote speech, the senator applauded the resilience and creativity of the Filipino weavers.

“We must continue to prioritize enhancing the competitive advantage that lies in the skills, talents, and ingenuity of the Filipino people because, with greater support, we can empower our MSMEs to create jobs and contribute to our country’s economic growth,” Legarda said.

“Our participating indigenous peoples and local entrepreneurs gathered here today are living testaments of our rich and vibrant heritage. Their work demonstrates that, despite modernity and technological innovation, nothing surpasses the beauty of crafts created by artisans who pour their hearts and souls into their creations, preserving our traditions and culture,” continued Legarda.

Legarda envisioned and initiated the NACF in 2016 as an event dedicated exclusively to the country’s preservation of cultural heritage and promoting the economic viability of indigenous arts and crafts.

Before the pandemic, the five iterations of the NACF generated total revenue of Php 114 million for its exhibitors.

The senator also expressed her support for the MSME sector.

“Today, I reaffirm my unwavering support for the MSME sector, the protection of the rights of our indigenous peoples, and the promotion of our culture, heritage, artistry, and craftsmanship,” Legarda said.

She also stressed the importance of reviving MSMEs and keeping culture and traditions alive for the next generations.

Legarda has devoted much of her life’s work to protecting Philippine culture and the arts through documentaries, exhibits, and art fairs. She has also authored several bills to