In her continuing effort to celebrate Filipino creativity and cultural heritage, Senator Loren Legarda once again led the 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) from October 23 to 29, 2025.
Taking place at Megatrade Halls 1-3 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the event features more than 300 exhibitors that showcase the diversity and excellence of Filipino craftsmanship, such as indigenous handwoven textiles, handcrafted accessories, and sustainable materials.
These include Abra’s Abel loom weaving, the delicate embroidery of Lumban, the intricate beadwork of Zamboanga, and the vibrant weaving traditions of Antique.
Since its launch in 2016 through Legarda’s vision and initiative, the NACF has become one of the country’s vital platforms for local artisans, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to promote their work and sustain their livelihood.
This year’s NACF underscores anew the importance of keeping cultural traditions alive by highlighting the intricate works of the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) and the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, who best represent the meaning of Filipino craftsmanship. Visitors can see indigenous elders and cultural masters doing live demonstrations and workshops throughout the event.
“Amidst technological advancements nowadays, we must not forget to look back to our traditions and treasures because these helped shape the country we are enjoying today.”
“Amidst technological advancements nowadays, we must not forget to look back to our traditions and treasures because these helped shape the country we are enjoying today. I have made it my mission to ensure that we all remain committed to celebrating and honoring the beauty of the cultural heritage that our ancestors have gifted us,” Legarda said.
“The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair amplifies our collective call to uplift marginalized communities, empower indigenous traditions, and foster inclusive growth through art and craftsmanship.”
“The 2025 National Arts and Crafts Fair amplifies our collective call to uplift marginalized communities, empower indigenous traditions, and foster inclusive growth through art and craftsmanship. This is also a call for active community participation to realize the goals of this initiative,” the veteran legislator added.
The 2025 NACF is a collaborative effort among the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), working together to strengthen the link between culture and commerce and to empower Filipino artisans with pride, purpose, and opportunity in the global market.
