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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Legarda leads revival of NACF; pushes for more gov't support to PH's MSME sector

Legarda leads revival of NACF; pushes for more gov't support to PH's MSME sector

Published Oct 5, 2023 05:20 am

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

NACF event.jpg

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, together with the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayad (GAMABA) awardees, lead the opening of the National Arts and Crafts Fair 2023 at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall B in Mandaluyong City on October 4, 2023. (L-R) Sec. Pascual; Teofilo Garcia, an Ilocano gourd casque maker; Alonzo Saclag, a performing artist from Kalinga; Sen. Legarda; Magdalena Gamayo, a textile weaver from Ilocos Norte; and Estelita Bantilan, a mat weaver from Sarangani. 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. (Photo by Office of Sen. Loren Legarda)

The NACF is a flagship platform combining entrepreneurship and tradition where the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can showcase the country’s creativity and resilience.

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

About 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the country’s 17 regions have been carefully curated for the 2023 NACF, featuring Philippine fabrics, handwoven items, and handicrafts at the SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls.

“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,” said Legarda during her keynote speech at the opening of the exhibit.

"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," she also said.

Modern takes on handicrafts such as handmade ornaments, handcrafted jewelry, woven apparel, and home décor are featured in the event from October 4 to 8.

Before the pandemic, Legarda said the five iterations of the NACF generated a total revenue of ₱114 million for its exhibitors.

“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 stressed.

“Let us work towards reviving our MSMEs, for it is not just about the products and the economic gains; it is about preserving our identity, supporting our communities, and keeping our culture and traditions alive for the next generations," she reiterated.

The broadcast journalist turned senator, likewise, thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for making the event possible.

Legarda has devoted much of her life’s work to protecting Philippine culture and the arts through documentaries, exhibits, and art fairs geared towards showcasing and enriching the country’s culture and heritage.

She has also authored several bills, such as Senate Bill No. 379 or the proposed Traditional Property Rights of Indigenous People’s Act to further strengthen the foundation that would solidify the culture and arts as significant in nation-building, particularly the rights and traditions of indigenous people (IPs).

The bill seeks to protect IPs and safeguard the rights of traditional artists and artisans in their ethnic cultures and national heritage.

Moreover, Legarda is advocating for the creation of a Department of Culture that would institutionalize programs and activities promoting cultural heritage and national identity as well as a bill that seeks to amend the National Museum of the Philippines charter to strengthen its mandate as the national repository of the country’s natural, cultural, and historical heritage.

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MSME Loren Legarda arts and culture ph National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF)
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