Senator Loren Legarda once again expressed her support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the opening of the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) on Friday, 24 October.
The NACF will run until 29 October at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, featuring more than 300 participants showcasing Filipino craftsmanship from indigenous woven fabrics, handmade accessories, to sustainable materials.
In her keynote speech, Legarda bared plans to put up permanent stores in the different regions of the country for MSMEs so they could have "their platforms 365 days a year."
"Let me just tell you this. When you visit each and every booth, they represent the hands that toil. They represent the brains and the creativity that imagine. They represent the soul of the community, where it was founded, where it thrives. They represent the people who are paid daily wages," she said.
"They represent the dreams and aspirations of the little barangay up in the highlands in the Cordillera, or a little town in the waters of Tawi Tawi, or a nature village in my province of Antique. Each and every micro enterprise present here today have been supported by government," she added.
Since its launch in 2016, the NACF has become an important platform for local artisans, especially for MSMEs, to showcase their creations and sustain their livelihoods.
This year, Legarda once again stressed the importance of preserving cultural traditions by showcasing the artworks of Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) and Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, exemplars of authentic Filipino craftsmanship. Visitors can witness indigenous elders and cultural maestros conducting live demonstrations and workshops throughout the week of the fair.
The 2025 NACF is a collaborative effort by the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Design Center of the Philippines, to strengthen the relationship between culture and commerce, and empower Filipino artisans with dignity, purpose, and opportunity in the global marketplace.