National arts, crafts and slow food

Every year since 2016, the office of Senator Loren Legarda and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) invite Slow Food communities to be part of the huge National Arts and Crafts Fair. It really should include food as our food artisans really lack market access because most artisans are micro entrepreneurs.

Thanks to this event, we are able to show artisanal salts, beans, grains and even coffee that come from small producers around the country. When communities make crafts, they do this after securing their food sources. Once the family is assured of having enough rice or corn for daily use, they can now go back to weaving baskets or weaving textiles. Thus the arts and crafts are created initially for their own use – market baskets, textile for their clothing and then these become industries when help from donors, financiers and government see their potential.

Everyone who has a backyard growing bamboo and rattan or a forest where one can get vines eventually become master weavers. Foraging for sturdy raw materials in their forests, each indigenous group is able to weave bags and containers and even make walis (brooms) from tiger grass, for example. What is interesting is that they even emblazon the brooms with “Baguio City” even if they are woven in Bicol. Because that is what the market looks for. Funny, isn’t it?

These arts and crafts are borne out of necessity first, before they even think of commerce. Admire the baskets they design to carry rice or fruits. Check how they fashion implements using coconut shells – from ladles to spoons, serving wares and more. When they find people interested in buying what they regularly use at home, that starts a market for their handmade implements and wares.

For Slow Food, we gathered Cavite’s quesillo (fresh white cheese) makers and honey bee keepers. We also showcase organic coffee, heirloom rice and Miag-ao budbud salt. We cannot be happier that the Salt Law was repealed also with the help of Senator Legarda, which has made artisanal salt making more viable. Now, you can find tultul from Guimaras, tibuok from Bohol, buy-o from Zambales and sugpo asin from Pangasinan. There are beautiful videos on saltmaking, thanks to Slow Food supporter Erwan Heusaff.

The exposure our farmers and producers get from these events of DTI, NACF and OTOP are eye openers, both for them and for the consumers. Consumers see products that never make it to supermarkets because of supply chain issues or challenges. Consumers shorten the supply chain when they meet the very producers at these DTI supported events.

At the recent OTOP fair held just two weeks ago at the Ayala Malls, I went around and saw our women coffee farmers from faraway places like Sultan Kudarat. Rebecca Gacayan of Senator Ninoy Aquino municipality was sold out almost everyday because you cannot find her coffee in your neighborhood supermarket. Cacao processor Cacaomistry also sold many packs of hot chocolate as she gave away sample tasting of her hot cocoa. These women attest to the importance of the assistance given by DTI and their local DTI offices. Though only a few are selected per region, these micro entrepreneurs represent the most ready and those who continue to grow each year. Gacayan even got a registered Intellectual Property Office (IPO) mark for her “Sultan” coffee, the year-long journey worth her while as she now sells her coffee blends at premium prices, comparable to Manila’s roasters and cafés. Now that’s a feat for a micro-entrepreneur who values her intellectual property trademark among other premium values she attaches to her products.

At the National Arts and Crafts Fair, do pass the Slow Food area – and taste and sample coffee, cheese and honey among many other products from our artisans. These are artisans who otherwise just sell within their locality (e.g. Trece Martires in Cavite) because they have no means to access bigger markets just yet. But with continued participation in these events, they meet distributors, retailers and other advocates who can support their growing business.

Food is best sold after one gets a taste of the product. And these events really give consumers the chance to taste the product and meet the farmer. As we always advocate – you need to know your farmer and know where your food comes from. Rather than getting it from the last mile retailer, meet the artisan who makes your cheese or your salt.

Slow Food, being a grassroots movement, can only hope for support from advocates and consumers who are more mindful of buying local and supporting small producers. And it is at these national events where one can meet them.

Drop by and make your Christmas shopping more purposive and meaningful. You can help these artisans by using their products for your gifting needs. And most of all, your gift will stand out from the rest of the usual run of the mill Christmas tokens you buy in bulk. These artisans have limited production runs, making your gift rare and hard to find.

Christmas is a good time to expose not only yourself but also the receivers of your gift giving to these wonderful products you only find at such events. The only way you can see this whole assemblage is to travel the whole country. But, really, would you still have time to go to Antique or Guimaras? So come and get those one-of-kind gifts this weekend.

Whether you’re Christmas shopping or you just want to learn more about our local crafts, do come to these events. The entrance is free. Just make sure you bring your eco bags for easy transport!

Thank you to the DTI and Secretary Cris Roque, Senator Loren Legarda and Design Center Philippines for a well-organized event benefiting the small and micro entrepreneurs!

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The National Arts and Crafts Fair runs until Sunday, Oct. 27 at Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.