Sen. Loren Legarda checks on the process of weaving during the SikatPinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair in Mandaluyong City. Photo from Office of Sen. Loren Legarda
Senator Loren Legarda called on the public on Friday to support the country’s artisans and manufacturers of heritage crafts at the 2017 SikatPinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) in Mandaluyong City.
“The SikatPinoy National Arts & Crafts Fair serves as a powerful platform to support our local talents and entrepreneurs by helping them reach wider local and international markets,” Legarda said in a statement.
“It is a venue that puts the spotlight on innovative products that not only represent the indigenous cultures and traditions of our regions, but also appeal to the aesthetics of modern global designs,” said Legarda, a staunch supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Philippine arts and culture,” she added.
Sen. Loren Legarda with the participants of the SikatPinoy arts fair. Photo from Office of Sen. Loren Legarda
The NACF, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion in coordination with the department’s regional and provincial offices with the support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, will be held from October 26-29, 2017 at the SM Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The four-day NACF will feature 280 MSME manufacturers of heritage crafts, artisanal crafts and native delicacies. It will also showcase outputs of the creative industries from the country’s 16 regions including ARMM, and partner agencies and institutions.
Among the highlights of the fair is a special setting of Heritage Crafts showcasing Philippine indigenous textiles, mats and baskets, and weavers from various indigenous and traditional groups who will demonstrate their weaving traditions.
There will also be lectures on various subjects related to the Fair’s theme, such as the T’boli Food Preparation, Philippine Culinary Heritage, Muslim Mindanao Cuisine and Halal Food Preparation, Philippine Coffee Appreciation, Pursuing Business in Design, Finance Management for Business Entrepreneurs, and stories of some enterprises.
Weavers will also have a chance to share about their weaving traditions—how they started weaving, processes and techniques, challenges and success stories.
“I invite everyone to visit the 2017 SikatPinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair. Through this event, we empower the indigenous skills and talents behind these products, and at the same time, signify our support to the development of more Filipino enterprises,” Legarda said. /jpv