The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced the comeback of its national trade fair this year featuring modern-day products out of traditional and indigenous materials from over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from 16 regions.

After a three-year hiatus, the 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) returns as a major trade fair taking place from Oct. 4 to 8, 2023, at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
"The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair underscores the integral role of arts and crafts in our national economy. This sector, often underestimated, serves as a vibrant source of income for many Filipino artisans and MSMEs, and contributes significantly to the country’s revenue streams through domestic sales as well as exports," DTI's Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) Director Marievic Bonoan pointed out.
With over 200 exhibitors curated from 16 regions across the country, NACF will serve as a platform to promote the nation's rich cultural legacy and provide an opportunity for everyone to rediscover and appreciate Philippine workmanship.
Expertly crafted using traditional indigenous materials, the products are expected to captivate a new urban consumer base in search of unique items with intrinsic beauty and value.
The fair brings together artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs from all across the country to display a wide variety of traditional and native materials created utilizing modern techniques such as textile and fiber art, mats and basketry, handcrafted jewelry, houseware and home decor, and novelty items.
The 2023 National Arts and Crafts Fair is set to pay homage to the country’s diverse culture and further explore innovative methods of incorporating these skills into modern-day objects.
With a formal opening ceremony on October 4, the NACF stage is set to spotlight local artisans' heritage, creativity, and innovation, fostering growth and opportunity for native craft industries by establishing rapport with potential buyers.
For Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who conceptualized the fair and supported it since its inception in 2016, “the National Arts and Crafts Fair is not merely an event; it is a movement that staunchly supports our local artisans, promotes our traditions, and contributes to the growth of our creative economy. The entrepreneurs exhibiting their products here exemplify our people’s resilience, ingenuity, and passion. I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration of tradition and innovation as we continue to empower indigenous skills and Filipino craftsmanship.”
The NACF, which was first launched in 2016, is organized by the DTI-BDTP, in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, and supported by Sen. Legarda. (Ma. Joselie C. Garcia)